‘Get Phil Foden on!’ – Carragher blasts ‘baffling’ decision as England laboured to draw vs USA

Jamie Carragher asked the same question as many people on Friday evening: why did Phil Foden not come on for England against the United States?

England struggled to pose any serious threat to Matt Turner in the USA goal as the Three Lions drew their second World Cup game 0-0.

It was a hugely disappointing performance which reminded many of England’s goalless draw against Scotland at the European Championships last year.

Gareth Southgate’s side then went on to top their group and reach the final of the competition, so no need to panic, folks.

While England lacked creativity and looked tired and uninspired against the USA, Southgate opted against introducing Foden.

He instead turned to Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish, and Marcus Rashford, who all did sweet f*** all after coming on.

Gary Neville said the decision to not start Foden and then leave him on the bench was “interesting”, but held back in his overall criticism of Southgate, whom he has great “respect” for.

And Neville’s best mate Jamie Carragher has aired his thoughts and asked, ‘Where the hell was Phil Foden’ on Friday evening.

Writing for The Telegraph, ex-Liverpool and England defender Carragher said:

“As England toiled to create a chance against a well-organised USA team, you could almost hear a nation shouting at the TV: “Get Phil Foden on’.

“I was among those hoping Gareth Southgate would turn to the Manchester City youngster. It was baffling that he remained on the bench when the game was crying out for his creativity.

“If you had told me before the tournament that Foden would only feature for 19 minutes of the first two World Cup games, my initial thought would be he must be injured.

“When asked to select my starting XI for the opening fixture against Iran, Foden was in it. The more the squad was studied, the harder it was to leave him out. He is too much of a special talent.

“Speak to any football supporter watching the Premier League over the last three years and ask ‘who is the most naturally gifted English footballer today?’ and 80 per cent would say Foden. The other 20 per cent are not watching closely enough.

“For Southgate to turn to his substitutes and opt for his City team-mate Jack Grealish ahead of him felt strange. Would Pep Guardiola look to Grealish before Foden if seeking a winning goal? Highly unlikely.

“To be fair to Southgate, it must be acknowledged Foden has not yet produced his Manchester City form in an England shirt. The…