Wayne Rooney found Gareth Southgate’s decision not to bring in Phil Foden during England’s goalless draw with the United States in a 2022 FIFA World Cup match “bizarre”.
England began their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign by working their way to a comfortable 6-2 win over Iran in their opener. However, the Three Lions were less impressive in their next game when they faced the USA in a Pool B match.
England were far from their best against the USA and the two teams went to a goalless draw and shared points. Phil Foden, who came on as a substitute against Iran, was not used by Gareth Southgate against the USA.
It was a decision that surprised many as they expected Gareth Southgate to replace Phil Foden as they searched for their first match. Gareth Southgate made three substitutions during the match, but Phil Foden was not among them.
Read more: England vs USA: Why didn’t Gareth Southgate bring Phil Foden in for the FIFA World Cup match?
Wayne Rooney’s reaction to Phil Foden’s slight in the FIFA World Cup match against the USA
Writing in his Times column, Wayne Rooney found Gareth Southgate’s decision to drop Phil Foden as an unused substitute “strange”.
Rooney believes that Phil Foden is the best footballer England has on their team and that Southgate has to play him.
“I found it very strange that Foden did not come on as a substitute against the USA, and as I wrote in these pages ahead of the tournament, he would be a key part of my starting XI if I were England boss. Technically, he is the best footballer England has.” Wayne Rooney wrote in his column.
“I think if you have a talent like Foden, you just have to play it. He is now a different player than we saw at Euro 2020 when he struggled to make an impact.”
Read more: England vs USA: Gary Neville criticizes Phil Foden’s decision in FIFA World Cup match
Rooney further added that Foden is more mature now and that the 22-year-old made it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup thanks to impressive performances for Manchester United. Rooney further admitted that if he were Foden, he would be frustrated at not being able to play against the USA.
Meanwhile, England will face Wales in their final game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage campaign.
