Phil Foden calls for England 'leaders' to resolve poor press | OneFootball

The team are yet to properly click at Euro 2024 ahead of their toughest test yet

Phil Foden has admitted he is frustrated with his performances at Euro 2024, but believes he can "click" with Jude Bellingham against Switzerland on Saturday.

Bellingham was England's saviour in the dramatic win over Slovakia but, as preparations ramp up for this weekend's quarter-final in Dusseldorf, Gareth Southgate is still considering how to get the best from both the La Liga player of the year and Foden, who was voted the best player in the Premier League last season.

The England manager is considering switching to a back-three against the Swiss, which could potentially see Bukayo Saka move to left wing-back and Foden and Bellingham play as twin No10s behind Harry Kane.

"No, I don't agree with that, I feel like we do good work together," said the Manchester City playmaker. "I keep saying it, but it is true, it's just the way the games have gone sometimes and the way football works.

"In the last game we did build on it really well in terms of keeping the ball a lot more, we piled pressure on at the end and I feel like, hopefully, it can click together in the next game."

Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham are yet to click at Euro 2024

REUTERS

Foden struck the post in the draw against Denmark in the group stage and had a goal disallowed against Slovakia on Sunday, but he admitted to frustration at not being able to replicate his City form in an England shirt.

"I have been a little frustrated, I am not going to lie," he said. "I want to try and score, do better things for England, and it has not worked out, but it is about keeping a good mentality.

"I have not been the best player in the Premier League to come here and not show it. I feel like every game I am moving forward and, hopefully, I can put on some good performances. That has always been my aim for England."

If Southgate does revert to a back-three, which the manager has trialled in training, he could keep almost the same XI which started against Slovakia, with the exception of the suspended Marc Guehi, who is expected to be replaced by Ezri Konsa.

Kieran Trippier, who has been deputising at left-back, could switch to right wing-back, while Kyle Walker could play on the right of the back-three.

On the ball: Phil Foden in training ahead of Saturday's Euro quarter-final

REUTERS

Southgate has been criticised for England's conservative approach at the finals, including the team's tendency to drop deep when leading games and press erratically, but Foden believes the players must take a share of responsibility.

"I feel like the players have got to take some of the blame," he said. "There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working. There is only so much the manager can do. He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press.

"The players have got to adapt to what the other team is doing to be better. It is something we have definitely spoken about it recently and going forward, hopefully, you will see a different side to us pressing-wise.

"I feel sorry for Gareth," he added. "In training he has been telling us to press and be high up on the pitch and I feel like sometimes it has to come from the players. We have to be leaders and I feel like in games we could have got together a little bit more and worked out a solution.

"I feel like we can get together and find a solution — see where it is going wrong and adapt our press."