England boss should check in with Pep on how to get Phil firing

PEP Guardiola has already offered a bold tactical solution to England's Phil Foden problems.

- KASRA MORADI

Gareth Southgate's men secured all three points in their Euro 2024 Group C opener against Serbia on Sunday, winning 1-0 thanks to an early Jude Bellingham header. But it was far from a vintage performance as England ceded control in the second half and allowed Serbia to grow into the game, grinding out a slim victory thanks to a solid defensive and goalkeeping display.

There was plenty of scrutiny postmatch as viewers sought to identify the Three Lions' shortcomings, with Foden's performance drifting in from the left flank - receiving much criticism.

The City star and Premier League Player of the Year was anonymous for large parts of the game and failed to have any kind of impact without an overlapping left-back and occupying the same space as Harry Kane and Bellingham.

It gave way to critics calling for him to be dropped against Denmark on Thursday, while others blamed Southgate for not utilising him in a central-attacking midfield position.

However, City manager and tactical genius Guardiola provided another alternative on how to utilise Foden back in 2023.