'Phil Foden an England problem? No chance' - Man City proof, Southgate claim and 'step up' challenge

Phil Foden has retained his spot in the England side for today's crunch European Championship group game with Denmark.

The Manchester City star came in for some criticism after a quiet display in the victory over Serbia on Sunday night. Foden played off the left that night and didn't influence the game in the way he did on so many occasions for City in a stunning club campaign.

But England boss Gareth Southgate was effusive in his praise of the 24-year-old in the build up to today's clash and it never felt like Foden would be jettisoned. And while his place might still provoke some debate among pundits and non-City supporting England fans the case for his conclusion is pretty clear cut. We get the view of our City writers plus bring you the verdict of Southgate and team-mate Kyle Walker.

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To question Foden's mentality after the season he has just had is not fair. 'Stepping up' is exactly how Foden won all his individual awards this season. One game for a misfiring England side against a very good defence doesn't undo that.

The England camp headed out to defend their performance, Jude Bellingham pointedly noting that the instant reaction to any Three Lions game is negativity. Southgate said maybe they needed to suffer.

Foden took to Instagram and simply wrote: "Job done. Onto the next one." Because that is what England did - they did exactly what they needed to, they are already well-placed to reach the knockout stages, and they are already looking forward. Six more dull 1-0 wins and England will be European champions.

Foden will get his time to 'step up' over