Despite getting off to a winning start at Euro 2024 courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s first-half header against Serbia, question marks have been raised about Gareth Southgate’s team selection and in particular the role of Phil Foden.
The 24-year-old has become one of the most crucial figures in the Manchester City team and was in staggering form last season as he scored 27 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions.
Excelling in a central role and on the right for City, Foden was asked to play on the left of a front three for England and struggled to influence the game. This led to some suggesting that he should be moved into a more central position where he could dictate play.
However, former England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce believes that the number 10 role should continue to be filled by Jude Bellingham after yet another outstanding display for his country.
Pearce, speaking to BoyleSports who offer the latest Euro 2024 betting, said: “Jude Bellingham has to remain in number 10 over Phil Foden despite the latter’s disappointing Serbia performance.
“The argument for Bellingham over Foden comes from scoring goals in that central position, not that Foden doesn’t, but Bellingham is also more adept at dropping deeper over the course of a game if he needs to knot things together.
“Foden prefers to play higher up the pitch and also stay higher up the pitch, whereas Bellingham has a physical presence which helps arriving in the box to join Harry Kane.
“If Bellingham was put on the left-hand side and Foden was the number 10, a lot of people would raise eyebrows and say that it doesn't look a good fit, but it is a brilliant problem to have for Gareth Southgate.”
Pearce also believes that Southgate may attempt to change the system as the tournament progresses in order to get the best out of both Bellingham and Foden.
“Foden has played centrally a lot this season but he is more used to playing out wide. We’ve got two outstanding young talents in European football that any nation going to the Euros would be absolutely delighted to have in their squad,” he added.
“So you're just going to have to work out a system that fits them, sometimes when you go to a tournament as I found out, things just fit into place. Maybe it will be two number 10s.”
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