Phil Foden expresses sympathy for Gareth Southgate, acknowledging that players must also accept responsibility for England’s performances.

England’s performance at Euro 2024 has left much to be desired. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford believes that the team needs to “step up” in their upcoming quarter-final clash against Switzerland. The pressure is on Gareth Southgate and his squad to deliver a much-improved display after narrowly avoiding elimination in the last 16 thanks to Jude Bellingham’s dramatic overhead kick.

The lackluster performances have led to criticism of Southgate’s team selection and tactics. However, midfielder Phil Foden has come to the defense of the manager, expressing sympathy for him. Foden believes that the players themselves need to take responsibility and show leadership on the pitch. He acknowledges that Southgate has instructed them to press and be aggressive, but it is up to the players to execute these instructions effectively.

Foden admits that the players must adapt to the opposition’s tactics and work together to find solutions during matches. He emphasizes the need for the team to come together and take ownership of their performances. Foden hopes that England will showcase a different side to their game, particularly in terms of their pressing, when they face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

For Foden personally, he is eager to make his mark on the tournament. Despite his impressive performances for Manchester City last season, where he was named the Premier League’s Player of the Season, Foden has yet to find the back of the net at Euro 2024. He is determined to show his best form for the national team and believes that his performances have been improving with each game.

There has been speculation that Foden and Bellingham struggle to perform at their best when playing together. However, Foden dismisses this notion, stating that they work well together on the pitch. He believes that their partnership can flourish and points to the team’s progress in the last game, where they showed improvement in terms of ball retention and building pressure.

As England prepare for their crucial quarter-final clash, the pressure is mounting. The players, including Foden, are aware that they need to raise their game and deliver a performance worthy of their talent. The nation will be hoping for a much-improved display and a convincing victory against Switzerland.