Richie Sadlier has explained why Phil Foden is so crucial to England's chances of success at the World Cup after his impressive display in the victory over Senegal.
It was far from a classic display, especially in the first 30 minutes by England, but in the end they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over the African side, with Phil Foden key to their victory.
🏴 3-0 🇸🇳
57' Saka skilfully finishes another England counter-attack and they have one foot in the quarter-finals
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The Manchester City midfielder made two assists for Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, and looked the most creative player on the pitch as he justified his inclusion in the side.
Despite being described as a generational talent by some pundits, Foden has struggled at times to get into this England side, with Gareth Southgate coming in for strong criticism for not starting the 22-year-old in the 0-0 draw with the USA.
Speaking on RTÉ after England's win, Richie Sadlier explained why Phil Foden is so crucial to England, as Southgate will have a selection headache leading up to next week's quarter final against world champions France.
Selection Dilemma
With Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish looking to start and Bukayo Saka continuing his good form, Phil Foden is not guaranteed a start in Southgate's team. However, Sadlier claimed no matter what system is played next weekend, Phil Foden must be included.
"I think Foden is above all them. I think if you are a manager, and you can't find a place in the starting line up for Foden for whatever reason, is it a system thing or whatever the argument may be that you say Phil we need you on the bench, I think it is a weakness, a failing of a manager.
To have someone of that technical ability. If you want him to press he can do it. If you want him to get the ball in tight spaces he can do it, if you want him to carve an opening he can do it. If you want him to assist he'll do it, if you want him to score like he did earlier in the tournament he'll di it.
There's nothing he can't do, and anything he does he does it to an elite level."
With the attacking threat that France pose, there will be temptation from Gareth Southgate to go back to the more defensive system that has worked so well in previous tournaments.
Should England line up in a back five, it's likely a more creative option, such as Phil Foden, will be sacrificed to keep Kylian Mbappe and his teammates to limited opportunities.
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