Allardyce slams Southgate for 'restricting' Foden and reveals who he’d sacrifice

19 June 2024 , 21:41
1104     0
One star is already out of England
One star is already out of England's clash with Denmark

FORMER England boss Sam Allardyce has taken aim at Gareth Southgate's tactics.

Allardyce, 69, has claimed that Southgate "restricted" Phil Foden with his tactics against Serbia last week.

Sam Allardyce has questioned Gareth Southgate's tactics against Serbia eiqrtiqkeiqqdprw
Sam Allardyce has questioned Gareth Southgate's tactics against SerbiaCredit: PA
Allardyce has claimed Foden was 'restricted' by Gareth Southgate's tactics
Allardyce has claimed Foden was 'restricted' by Gareth Southgate's tacticsCredit: Getty

Foden came under a wave of criticism for his performance against Serbia with the Man City star failing to live up to his usual high standards.

And despite England getting their tournament off to a perfect start with a 1-0 win, Allardyce reckons changes should be made to accommodate Foden's talents.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: “I love watching Phil Foden. I’ve watched a lot of him at Manchester City and I truly believe that he was restricted in his role against Serbia.

Schools at risk of closing as teachers prepare to vote on joining strike chaosSchools at risk of closing as teachers prepare to vote on joining strike chaos

"He wasn’t doing what he does for City, starting on the left and popping up in the centre, rotating his position. It seemed like he was made to stay wide on the left-hand side.



EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY


"When you see him at his best, he picks up the ball and can beat as many players as he wants. He plays with freedom at City, but he can’t seem to find that with England."

Allardyce went on to explain that he would change the setup of England's midfield if he was still in charge of the Three Lions.

Hinting that he would take Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the midfield three and play Foden and Bellingham alongside Declan Rice instead.

He added: "He’s better off in a central role than on the left. He can play on the left but what he’s done from midfield for City this season has been outstanding, so that’s where I’d like to see him.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

“Foden and Jude Bellingham could complement each other if they both played in the middle.

"I’d have Declan Rice as the only sitting midfielder because that’s my favourite system.

"Foden and Bellingham could share the load, when one goes forward the other sits back. If you do it right, you don’t get exposed.”

Allardyce had his time in the hot-seat when he took over as England boss in 2016.

Guardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on benchGuardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on bench

But the former West Ham gaffer only took charge of ONE GAME after he was sacked for following controversy surrounding an undercover sting.

Allardyce was the England manager for just 67 days, but remains the only Three Lions boss to have a 100 per cent win record - thanks to a 1-0 win over Slovakia in his only game in charge.

Current manager Southgate will have tactical decision to make ahead of England's Group C clash with Denmark tomorrow with concerns over Foden's contribution.

One thing that is clear is that the left-back playing behind the left-wing position, that Foden occupied last time out, won't be Luke Shaw.

Southgate revealed in his press conference that the Man Utd defender is still injured and will miss the game.

Allardyce would play Foden alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield
Allardyce would play Foden alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfieldCredit: Getty
Trent Alexander-Arnold would likely be the casualty of his tactics
Trent Alexander-Arnold would likely be the casualty of his tacticsCredit: Reuters

Joshua Hall

England, Euro 2024, Sam Allardyce, Phil Foden, Gareth Southgate

Read more similar news:

03.01.2023, 14:06 • Sport
Top baby name predictions for 2023 revealed including footballers and TV stars
03.01.2023, 15:29 • Sport
Ronaldo repeats infamous World Cup wink as he arrives for Al-Nassr unveiling
03.01.2023, 20:22 • Sport
England star looking for love months after split from ex of 5 years
03.01.2023, 22:24 • Sport
Start and clean sheet will do Maguire good but star will still feel threatened
05.01.2023, 18:08 • Sport
Man Utd boss Ten Hag reveals what Rashford must do to continue red-hot form
06.01.2023, 20:50 • Sport
It will be sad when my dad Greaves' Spurs record is broken, but Kane is great
06.01.2023, 15:05 • Sport
Meet Italy's 'most beautiful footballer' who often swaps her kit for bikinis
06.01.2023, 13:13 • Sport
Butland's now-deleted tweet comes back to haunt him after Man Utd loan transfer
06.01.2023, 11:04 • Sport
Woods responds to fan's tweet as he uses Butland's transfer to get her attention
06.01.2023, 10:48 • Sport
Fans love Grealish's 'refreshing' interview as he leaves pundits in stitches