Phil Foden ghosted the entire England game- Ian Wright criticizes Man City forward

Ian Wright chastised ‘anonymous’ Phil Foden following England’s nervous opening victory against Serbia in the 2024 Euro.

Jude Bellingham’s early goal helped the Three Lions secure three vital points in Group C despite their difficult opening Euros match.

After Bellingham knocked home Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross on minute 13, England had a strong start to the encounter in Gelsenkirchen and appeared to be heading for a straightforward evening.

For the remainder of the first half, Gareth Southgate’s team looked impressive, but after the interval, Serbia threatened to equalize, and they lost control of their opening Euro match.

The performance from one of the favorites for Euro 2024 left fans and commentators somewhat unimpressed, but England held firm to grab an early lead in Group C.

Wright praised England’s successful opening to the tournament in Germany, but he criticized Manchester City player Foden specifically.

However, according to Wright, the 24-year-old found it difficult to “get into the game” against Serbia and spent a large amount of the game “anonymous.”

Foden had an incredible season for Man City, winning the Premier League player of the year award and assisting Pep Guardiola’s team in winning a fourth straight championship.

‘I don’t think Phil Foden played well today, he didn’t get into it,’ the ex-England and Arsenal striker said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.

‘People talk about Foden and his positions, I can understand that because of how good he is as a footballer, but he didn’t get into the game today.

‘He doesn’t play a free role for Manchester City. Given the team he plays for and the calibre of players he plays with, I don’t think he should be as anonymous as he was today.

‘We can’t question his ability because what he’s showed us at Man City, but what you look at now… the elite players find it.

‘I think it comes down to a mental thing now where he has to think if it’s not happening for him, he has to go find it. If you’ve got that much ability but you’re so anonymous, what’s wrong?

‘We can’t always blame the system. He needs to make it happen for himself and demand the ball.’

In an effort to win their first major title since 1966, England will want to get better in their remaining two group matches against Slovenia and Denmark.

Speaking following England’s first victory, Southgate said he anticipated a challenging matchup with Serbia but saved particular recognition for Bellingham.

‘I didn’t expect it to be any other way,’ Southgate said. ‘We played an opponent who can play well and be direct.

‘I was pleased we played the way we did in the first half, we should have probably had a second with the chances we created.’

Southgate continued, speaking of Bellingham, who assisted Real Madrid in winning the Champions League earlier in the month, “He seems to write his own scripts.” He keeps producing and enjoys the attention.

‘He had some outstanding moments in the game and equally our two wide players and central midfielder players did well working around him.’