Euro 2024: Rio Ferdinand suggests that England’s Phil Foden should emulate Paul Scholes by being assertive in asking for the ball.

In a thrilling victory for England over Serbia at Euro 2024, Jude Bellingham proved to be the star of the show with a fantastic performance that included a crucial goal. The Real Madrid midfielder’s impressive display earned him the title of player of the match, overshadowing his teammate Phil Foden, who struggled to make an impact on the game.

Former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards highlighted the need for Foden to be more involved in the action, suggesting that the team should be set up to bring out the best in him. Richards expressed his disappointment at seeing a player of Foden’s quality not fully utilizing his abilities, emphasizing the importance of finding the right combinations and partnerships on the pitch.

Cesc Fabregas also weighed in on the matter, placing some responsibility on Foden himself to impose himself on the game. Fabregas praised Bellingham for his assertiveness and desire to get on the ball, suggesting that Foden should follow suit and show more confidence and positioning to earn more playing time.

Rio Ferdinand, drawing from his experience playing alongside Paul Scholes at Manchester United, advised Foden to emulate the former midfielder’s approach. Ferdinand emphasized that it was not about changing Foden’s personality off the pitch, but rather about his attitude and demand for the ball during games. He highlighted Scholes’ ability to command the ball through his positioning and determination, urging Foden to adopt a similar mindset.

Overall, while Bellingham stole the spotlight with his outstanding performance, there is still room for Foden to grow and make a greater impact on the England team. With the right mindset and approach, Foden has the potential to become a key player for both Manchester City and his national team.