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England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed why he did not turn to Manchester City forward Phil Foden during Friday’s goalless draw with the United States, explaining that he felt Jack Grealish would better help his side retain possession during the World Cup clash.
England were not at their best on Friday and were held to an underwhelming draw by the United States as Southgate’s side missed out on the chance to seal qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.
The 2018 semi-finalists were outstanding in defence but struggled to create many chances.
Despite this, Southgate elected to leave 22-year-old Foden on the bench, instead introducing Grealish and Marcus Rashford as England unsuccessfully tried to find a breakthrough.
“We thought it was the right thing to do, to keep the team from the start, and then the wide players we went with Jack [Grealish] and Marcus [Rashford] ahead of Phil [Foden],” he said.
“We thought, Jack would keep the ball well for us and get us up the pitch and Marcus’ speed, we thought would also be a threat coming into that last part of the game.”
Despite England’s struggles they remain in a good position to reach the knockout stage.
Anything better than a four-goal defeat against Wales will see England progress.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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