Phil Foden’s place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad could be at risk after an uninspiring performance in the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory over Albania, according to Roy Keane.
While goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane secured a comfortable win for England in Tuchel’s debut match as manager, the German coach admitted post-game that he expected more from both Foden and Marcus Rashford.
The duo struggled to make an impact before being substituted in the 74th minute.
England now turns its focus to Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia at Wembley, but questions are already being raised about Foden’s form and role under Tuchel.
Keane: “I Don’t Expect Anything From Foden Right Now”
Speaking on ITV, Keane didn’t hold back in his assessment of Foden’s recent performances, both for England and Manchester City.
“If you’re an attacking player and you dominate a game like that against a poor Albanian team but don’t score, don’t register a shot on target, and don’t test the goalkeeper, you’d be disappointed,” Keane said.
“Rashford and Foden certainly didn’t make a good impression tonight.”
The former Manchester United captain also suggested that Foden is lacking confidence and failing to influence games as he once did.
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“We know he’s got quality, but when Foden’s at his best, you expect something to happen every time he’s on the ball. That wasn’t the case tonight. Every time he got it, I didn’t expect anything, and that’s a real concern.”
When asked if Foden’s struggles could be down to playing on the right wing instead of his preferred No.10 role, Keane dismissed the idea as an excuse.
“Wherever you play, you have to affect the game. Foden didn’t do that. And soon, he won’t have to worry about where he plays because he won’t be playing at all if this continues.”
Wright: Foden and Rashford “Fortunate” to Make Squad
Former England striker Ian Wright also questioned Foden and Rashford’s inclusion in Tuchel’s first squad, suggesting that their recent club form didn’t necessarily warrant selection.
“It sounded like Tuchel wants players to take people on, but there were too many sideways passes. We saw that with Foden, and Rashford was running into blind alleys,” Wright observed.
“I actually think both of them were fortunate to be called up with the way things have been going for them recently. If I were an English winger watching that performance, I’d be thinking, ‘If I step up my game, I might get my chance soon.’”
Foden’s England Future Under Scrutiny
With Tuchel setting high standards for his attacking players, Foden’s underwhelming performance against Albania has put his starting spot under threat. A response will be needed against Latvia, or he may soon find himself out of England’s starting XI.
