PHIL FODEN was dropped for the win over Czech Republic because he was a yellow card away from suspension.
The Manchester City star, 21, didn’t even make the bench for the 1-0 win at Wembley.
He had started the two opening Group D games for the Three Lions at Euro 2020.
Two goalkeepers – Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone – were both included in the 23-man squad.
But after picking up a harsh booking against Croatia last Sunday, another yellow would have resulted in a one-match ban and being without Foden for the last 16.
Gareth Southgate will already be without Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount due to coronavirus self-isolation regulations.
The pair are likely to miss the last-16 game on Tuesday after England topped Group D.
Asked about Foden’s exclusion, Southgate allayed any fears of an injury.
Before the 1-0 win, the England boss said: “Because he’s on a yellow card.
“And given we are missing two players already, we don’t want to risk this. It’s a shame for Phil.”
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The playmaker was pictured on the pitch with his team-mates at Wembley prior to kick-off before he took his place in the stands.
Foden dropping out was one of four changes made by Southgate from the Scotland stalemate.
Mount, Tyrone Mings and Reece James all missed out.
Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire, Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker came into the side.
And Grealish and Saka played a major part in the winning goal – the Arsenal man doing well in the build-up before Grealish beat a man and stood up a cross for Raheem Sterling to head home the only goal of the game.
However, winning topping the group means the Three Lions now face a horror clash in the last-16, with France, Germany, Portugal pr Hungary all potential opponents.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
