England’s Phil Foden acknowledged that the players must take responsibility for the team’s underwhelming performances at EURO 2024.
Expressing sympathy for manager Gareth Southgate, who has faced significant criticism, Foden emphasized that the blame should not rest solely on the coach.
England has struggled through their four matches in Germany, narrowly avoiding elimination thanks to Jude Bellingham’s last-minute bicycle kick and Harry Kane’s extra-time header against Slovakia.
Commenting on the criticism aimed at Southgate, especially regarding the team’s tendency to sit back rather than press, the Manchester City player expressed his regret, stating he feels sorry for the manager.
“The players have got to take some of the blame,” Foden told British media. “There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working.
“There is only so much the manager can do. He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press. If it is not going like that, you have to (work it out).”
Foden was named the Premier League‘s Player of the Season but has been off the boil in Germany.
“I’ve not been the best player in the Premier League to come here and not show it,” he said.
England take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
