Former England football legend John Barnes recently addressed Phil Foden’s performance for the national team, acknowledging the challenge the young star faces in replicating his club form for England.
During Barnes’ own playing days, he experienced a similar issue, excelling at Liverpool but struggling to replicate that form on the international stage. Reflecting on this, Barnes said, “It felt like my soul had left my body. Sir Bobby Robson once told me he wished I could play for England like I did for Liverpool. My response was, ‘I could if England played like Liverpool did.'”
“The same applies to Foden. No matter where you play him – left, center, or right – unless England plays like Manchester City, nothing will change. At City, their left-back is not a natural left-footer, which suits Foden’s game. But with the national team, it’s different; they can’t configure the team like City does. Bellingham is now the key figure for England, so Foden either has to be a substitute or feed the ball to him and focus on defensive duties.”
System Player? John Barnes: Foden’s Form Won’t Change Unless England Play Like Manchester City. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/system-player-john-barnes-fodens-form-wont-change-unless-england-play-like-manchester-city.html
