‘Why?’ - Man Utd legend urges England to drop Chelsea star after Brazil defeat

Rio Ferdinand believes Gareth Southgate should axe Conor Gallagher and give Phil Foden added freedom in a central role.

England fans have long debated how to get the best out of the Manchester City star. The familiar case of performing well at club level but not for his country has, at times, been levelled at Foden, as it was following the Brazil defeat.

Southgate fielded Foden on the right flank, with Chelsea star Gallagher playing in a double pivot alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham as the No.10. England fans were also critical of Gallagher’s performance after he was hooked on 75 minutes.

The 24-year-old has played in all but one of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season - despite being heavily linked with a move. As far as England is concerned, however, his place at Euro 2024 remains up for debate and he did not do himself any favours against Brazil.

That has led Manchester United legend Ferdinand to call for his omission - allowing Foden to take centre stage. He told the Vibe with Five podcast: “Gareth Southgate said once that he isn’t playing central for his club so he can’t pick him. But he’s played central for his club this season and has been arguably one of the best players in the league.

“Foden, in the central areas, for the best team in Europe, this season, has been playing centrally and been the guy they’ve looked to for inspirational moments to get them results and unlock things. And I’m sitting there thinking, ‘I like Conor Gallagher, he’s got a place in that squad right now, but Phil Foden, why’s he not playing in there?’

“If Gareth has seen the way Foden plays in central areas, how is he not thinking he has to get him in the team and play him in there? The kid is doing it at the best team in Europe. Foden is a player that can play left, can play right, can play centre, he’ll adapt, but only to a certain level that the team will allow him to in the right position.

“If he was playing centrally for England, that would be the strongest part of that team. Him playing alongside someone like Bellingham, they would find a way to make that work. I’m just thinking, as a manager, if you’re seeing that, how does that not translate to your England team?

“I don’t understand. Foden is a player, as talented as he is, if you isolate him out on the wing, he needs other teammates around him to then produce the magic.”