Roy Keane strongly criticized Phil Foden`s performance during England`s recent victory over Albania.
Thomas Tuchel`s management of the team began with a 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifying match at Wembley.
Despite Foden, 24, starting on the right-wing in Tuchel`s first game, a position he was given despite his sub-par performances for Manchester City this season, he failed to make a significant impact and was substituted with Jarrod Bowen in the 74th minute.
Foden did not register a single shot on goal and has not scored or provided an assist for England since September 2023.
Keane, a pundit, delivered a harsh assessment of Foden`s game, suggesting, “I think he may be lacking confidence. He’s definitely not at his best. His club form isn’t great, but we know he possesses great talent.”
“When Foden performs at his peak, you anticipate something impactful whenever he`s on the ball, whether it`s a precise pass or a shot on goal.”
“However, he offered none of that tonight. Every time he received the ball, I found myself thinking, ‘I don’t expect anything significant from Foden currently’.”
His disappointing performance follows a lackluster European Championship campaign where the previous manager, Gareth Southgate, faced criticism for not maximizing Foden`s potential by playing him as a left-winger.
Keane issued a strong warning, stating, “They shouldn`t revisit the approach of accommodating his preferred position.”
“Regardless of his position, a player needs to influence the game. He needs to make an impact in various ways, which he failed to do.”
“Frankly, Foden won`t be concerned about his preferred position because he might not be playing at all.”
Ian Wright echoed this sentiment, remarking that Foden was “lucky” to even be selected and needs to “improve his game.”
Marcus Rashford also struggled on the opposite wing, and Tuchel openly expressed his dissatisfaction after the match.
He commented, “We anticipate greater impact from these positions, including more dribbling and aggressive runs into the penalty area. Overall, that aspect was lacking.”
“The opportunities arise from quick runs behind the defensive line. These runs were not as decisive as they could be.”
“Both wingers who started did not perform as effectively as they do for their respective clubs. I`m uncertain why we struggled to deliver the ball to them quickly.”
“We lacked off-ball movement. There was too much passing, insufficient dribbling, and not enough directness towards the goal.”
“They trained exceptionally well and demonstrated decisiveness in training. That’s why I believe they deserved to start; they have been very effective for their clubs in recent weeks. We will continue to encourage them.”
