da gbg bet: Former Manchester City and England star Micah Richards believes Phil Foden's disappointing performances at Euro 2024 are down to a tactical issue.
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Foden disappointing at Euro 2024Man City star facing criticismRichards says Southgate is to blameWHAT HAPPENED?
Foden has faced criticism by fans and pundits for his displays for the Three Lions in Germany this summer, with many calling for him to be left out of the starting XI for the semi-final against Netherlands.
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Former full-back Richards, however, feels that manager Gareth Southgate's playing style prevents Foden from having the freedom and space to attack the way he wants to, and he does not expect their strategy to change drastically for the upcoming semi-final.
WHAT RICHARDS SAID
Referencing Cesc Fabregas' suspicion that he was not being objective about Foden's performances, Richards wrote in a column: "I wasn’t being biased at all, though. I just thought the England team that night was not set up for him to flourish and, four games on, I still feel the same way.
"Like Harry Kane, there seems to be a lot of criticism of Foden on social media at the moment, with people calling for them both to be dropped for England’s semi-final against the Netherlands.
"I know they can both play much better than they have done so far in Germany, but I would say the reason they have not been at their best is a tactical issue rather being down to the players themselves.
"As for dropping them? Absolutely no chance. Fden is still the England player who can open up a defence with a pass, or score a goal, if you give him the right role."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
On Wednesday, Southgate's Three Lions will take on Ronald Koeman's Netherlands to battle it out for a place in the Euro 2024 final. The winners will meet either France or Spain, who play the other semi-final on Tuesday, in the tournament decider.