Fabregas and Richards Clash Over Phil Foden’s England Form
Cesc Fabregas and Micah Richards engaged in a fascinating debate regarding Phil Foden’s performances for England, with Fabregas offering a sharp analysis that appeared to challenge Richards’ defence of the Manchester City star.
Foden was part of the starting lineup in England’s recent 2-0 victory against Albania, marking the beginning of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite the win, Foden’s individual contribution came under scrutiny.
England manager, Gareth Southgate, while not explicitly named in the original article as “Thomas Tuchel”, seemed to echo concerns similar to those attributed to Tuchel, suggesting Foden needed to elevate his game for the national side. This sentiment was amplified by voices across the footballing spectrum, including Manchester United legend Roy Keane, known for his forthright opinions, who delivered a critical assessment of Foden’s performance.
The discussion around Foden’s England form is not new. During Euro 2024 last summer, his performances were also a talking point, often deemed below expectations. Micah Richards, a former Manchester City defender and familiar with Foden’s club capabilities, consistently jumped to his defence at that time.
Following England’s narrow 1-0 win over Serbia at Euro 2024, Richards articulated his perspective:
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“Phil Foden was the big talking point for me tonight. In the first 20 minutes, he found himself in promising positions. We need to unlock his potential for England.”
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“At Manchester City, it’s a choreographed system, movements are defined. It’s disheartening to see a player of his calibre appear in and out of games for England.”
Phil Foden in action for England. Image: Getty
Decoding Foden: Fabregas’ Insight vs. Richards’ Defence
However, Cesc Fabregas, former star for Arsenal and Chelsea, offered a contrasting viewpoint. Responding to Richards’ perspective, Fabregas highlighted a crucial difference he observed:
“Micah, I agree with you to a point. But look at Jude Bellingham. He imposes himself on the game, constantly demands the ball, takes on opponents directly. He exudes a certain class and assertiveness. Foden needs to demonstrate that same level of self-drive.”
Richards acknowledged Fabregas’ point about Bellingham but elaborated on the tactical nuances affecting Foden’s game for England:
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“I agree about Jude in central midfield; he has that freedom. But Foden often operates from a wider position for England. It’s more challenging when Jude is dictating centrally, and Phil is transitioning from wide areas to midfield.
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“The team setup also impacts him. Playing with Kieran Trippier, a right-footed player on the left, limits overlapping runs needed for combinations. He thrives with a left-back like Luke Shaw providing that overlap to open spaces.”
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“It’s frustrating because we consistently see his immense talent for Man City week after week. We need to see that same player in an England shirt.”
Despite Richards’ tactical explanations, Fabregas remained firm, reiterating that Foden needs to show more personal initiative. He asserted that Foden simply ‘needs to want it more’.
Fabregas expanded on his analysis: “I appreciate your defence of him, Micah, I understand your points. But a player with Foden’s exceptional talent, at this elite level, shouldn’t always require explicit instructions from the coach.
” He needs to have that intrinsic desire, that hunger to be the difference maker. For me, in this context, Bellingham currently demonstrates a greater level of that inherent drive and ambition.”
Phil Foden’s track record with Manchester City is undeniable, boasting 27 goals in the period leading up to Euro 2024, demonstrating his consistent club form. However, translating this club brilliance to the international stage has remained a persistent challenge. At Euro 2024 in Germany, he struggled to replicate his Manchester City impact, failing to leave a significant mark on the tournament.
What do you think? Is Foden’s England form a tactical issue or a matter of personal drive? Share your opinions in the comments below!