Wayne Rooney found Gareth Southgate’s decision to not bring Phil Foden on during England’s goalless draw with the USA in a FIFA World Cup 2022 match ‘strange’.
England kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign by romping their way into a comfortable 6-2 win over Iran in their opening match. However, the Three Lions were less impressive in their next match when they took on USA in a Group B fixture.
England were far from their best against USA and the two sides played out a goalless draw and shared points. Phil Foden, who came on as a substitute vs Iran, was left as unused by Gareth Southgate against USA.
It was a decision that surprised many as they expected Gareth Southgate to sub on Phil Foden as they searched for their opener. Gareth Southgate did make three substitutions during the game, but Phil Foden was not among them.
Read More: England vs USA: Why Gareth Southgate Did Not Bring on Phil Foden in FIFA World Cup Match
Wayne Rooney’s reaction to Phil Foden snub in the FIFA World Cup match vs USA
Writing in his Times column, Wayne Rooney found Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave Phil Foden as an unused substitute ‘strange’.
Rooney believes Phil Foden is the best footballer England have in their squad and that Southgate has to play him.
“I found it very strange that Foden did not come on as a substitute against the USA, and as I wrote in these pages before the tournament, he would be a key part of my starting XI if I were the England boss. Technically, he is the best footballer England have.” Wayne Rooney wrote in his column.
“I think if you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him. He is now a different player from the one we saw at Euro 2020 when he struggled to make an impact.”
Read More: England vs USA: Gary Neville Criticizes Phil Foden’s Decision in FIFA World Cup Match
Rooney further added that Foden is more mature now and that the 22-year-old came into the FIFA World Cup 2022 on the back of impressive performances for Manchester United. Rooney further admitted that if he were Foden, he would be frustrated he did not get to play vs the USA.
Meanwhile, England will take on Wales in their final match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage campaign.
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