Phil Foden explains new England role vs Switzerland and admits it’s ‘what he prefers’ ahead of crunch Euro 2024 clash
PHIL FODEN is hoping to become a central part of England’s success against Switzerland – having moved positions.
The Manchester City star has struggled to impact the game after starting out on the left in the opening four matches.
But manager Gareth Southgate has started his side in a new look back three formation with two wing-backs.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka starts at left wing-back with Kieran Tripper on the the right for the first time.
Trippier had been resorted to the left in the absence of the injured Luke Shaw.
But for the first time in the tournament, England will have a left-footed full-back.
And, it means Foden will play in a more central role next to Jude Bellingham while accompanying captain Harry Kane.
Foden told the BBC: “We changed formation to match what they do and get pressure up the field and to try retain the ball – let’s see if it works, I am looking forward to it.
“For me it will be I’ll be more centrally and staying inside. I think it will suit me a little bit better today.
“If we get the formation right and press right it will give us a lot of confidence.
England’s penalty shootout record
THE dreaded penalty shootout.
England’s nemesis at no fewer than SEVEN major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.
But two shootout victories before the Italy defeat give some reason for optimism…
- 1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3
- Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2
- Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5
- Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-3
- 1998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3
- Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-5
- 2006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1
- Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-2
- 2018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3
- vs SWITZERLAND – Nations League third-place play-off, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5
- Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2
- OVERALL: Played 11, Won 3, Lost 8
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Southgate has utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation from the start of the Euros in Germany.
But with centre-back Marc Guehi missing through suspension, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa comes in as a replacement.
Kyle Walker will line up with them in a back three to allow Saka and Trippier to occupy the wing-back roles.
Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo pair in midfield with a front three of Foden, Bellingham and Kane.
Foden added: “We have worked hard and in training it has been working really well – hopefully we can get rewards from it.
“I feel we want to win for him [Gareth Southgate] and for the big occasion that it is.”