Ex-Man City Defender Richards: Foden’s Struggle Lies in His Incompatibility with Bellingham

Former Manchester City defender Richards discussed the reason why Phil Foden has been struggling so much in this European Championship.

Richards said, “The problem with Foden is that he wants to be at the heart of the team, but Bellingham’s performance around him has been outstanding. Sometimes Bellingham’s runs are positive, but they also make it difficult for Foden to get the ball. This kind of chemistry always takes time to develop, but it feels like Foden has been judged after just one game in his new role.”

“I’m not saying Foden should be immune from criticism. The friendly against Iceland was a great opportunity for him to establish himself as the number 10 on the international stage, but he was poor. When De Bruyne was injured early last season, I said it was a chance for Foden to show at Man City whether he could step up to the plate, and he did. He wasn’t a substitute or filling in; he was a key player in the best performing team in the Premier League, and I’ve always wanted him to do the same for England.”

“Foden is now being criticized because he hasn’t scored or created chances, but let’s give him a game where he can get on the ball inside and outside the box before we judge. If Foden fails to impress again against the Netherlands, then I will accept that we need to do better in that position, but to judge him now, especially by leaving him out of the starting lineup, is premature.”

“We should also remember the nature of this team. If we had an attacking coach and Foden was underperforming, I would understand the calls for change. But Southgate isn’t that type of coach; he’s succeeded through defense, and that won’t change now.”