pHIL Foden
Phil Foden’s position in England’s World Cup squad has come under scrutiny as he struggles to secure playing time at Manchester City. Despite the team’s need for a creative spark in their recent 2-1 victory over Liverpool, manager Pep Guardiola opted for new signing Rayan Cherki over Foden, raising concerns about the young midfielder’s future in the national team.
John Cross said: “This is the bigger worry. He has been eased out by Antoine Semenyo. When City needed something extra, they brought on Rayan Cherki. That has to be a worry,” he said, giving his current form a 6/10 rating, while unable to give a match rating due to the lack of time on the pitch. “One big name is going to miss out. Will it be Bellingham, Rogers, Foden or Palmer? They cannot all go. One who is either not playing well or just plain unlucky will not go. Foden remains in danger. It might be between Foden and Palmer,” he added, giving his chances of making the World Cup squad a 7/10.
Foden’s predicament is further complicated by the resurgence of former Manchester City player Cole Palmer, who has been making waves at Chelsea. Palmer’s recent hat-trick against Wolves has bolstered his case for inclusion in the England squad, potentially at Foden’s expense. The competition for the attacking midfield role is fierce, with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers also showcasing strong performances this season.
While Foden grapples with limited minutes, Marc Guehi’s prospects for the World Cup appear promising. The Crystal Palace defender delivered a standout performance against Liverpool, earning an 8/10 rating from John Cross. Guehi’s solid defensive capabilities have positioned him as a likely starter alongside Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa in England’s backline.
John Cross said: “He was so good at Anfield. He is a Rolls Royce of a defender. He makes City’s defence look so much better and they saw out long spells of pressure. He will be one of the best defenders at the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Nico O’Reilly’s adaptability has seen him transition from left-back to midfield for Manchester City, further enhancing his chances of making the England squad. His versatility could prove invaluable for the national team, with Cross rating his chances at 9/10.
John Cross said: “He is in pole position for the left-back slot and, unless anything dramatic happens, he is nailed-on for the first game against Croatia. His versatility playing midfield and left-back gives him another string to his bow.”
As the World Cup approaches, Foden’s struggle for game time at Manchester City could be a pivotal factor in Gareth Southgate’s squad selection. The coming weeks will be crucial for Foden to demonstrate his worth and secure his place on the plane to the tournament.
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