Pep Guardiola's drastic change for Phil Foden might just solve England's problems

Pep Guardiola has already offered a bold tactical solution to England’s Phil Foden problems.

Gareth Southgate’s men secured all three points in their Euro 2024 Group C opener against Serbia on Sunday, winning 1-0 thanks to an early Jude Bellingham header. But it was far from a vintage performance as England ceded control in the second half and allowed Serbia to grow into the game, grinding out a slim victory thanks to a solid defensive and goalkeeping display.

There was plenty of scrutiny post-match as viewers sought to identify the Three Lions’ shortcomings, with Foden’s performance – drifting in from the left flank – receiving much criticism. The Manchester City star and Premier League Player of the Season was anonymous for large parts of the game and failed to have any kind of impact without an overlapping left-back and occupying the same space as Harry Kane and Bellingham.

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It gave way to critics calling for him to be dropped against Denmark on Thursday, while others blamed Southgate for not utilising him in a central-attacking midfield position. However, City manager and tactical genius Guardiola provided another alternative on how to utilise Foden back in 2023.

Having yet to deploy Foden there in his career, Guardiola claimed the midfielder has the potential to flourish in a deeper role. That is despite the 24-year-old scoring 27 goals last season and largely being seen as an attacker, either through the middle or on the wings.

"When Phil plays as a right-winger, he can do it," said Guardiola. "In the beginning when he