PHIL FODEN created as many chances as Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling combined against USA – and he didn’t even play.
And that stat sums up what was a lacklustre display by England as they drew 0-0 in their second World Cup Group B match.
Even the Wags were yawning during the drab affair as the toothless Three Lions failed to mount any serious threat to the Americans.
Other than an early chance for Kane and a Mount effort just before the break, it was all USA and there was no doubt that they should have been ahead at half time.
Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic will feel the most hard done by after his effort whacked Jordan Pickford’s crossbar.
The pressure continued after the restart, eventually forcing Southgate into a reshuffle.
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Fans were left baffled by Jordan Henderson’s introduction, who came at the same time as Jack Grealish, on 68 minutes in an effort to turn the tide.
Kane had another opportunity at the death to snatch an undeserved winner but headed high and wide as it finished honours even at the World Cup.
Despite the chances they had for themselves, neither Kane, Mount or Sterling, who was replaced by Grealish, created any opportunities for their team-mates.
And that is exactly the same as the unused Foden – who many fans and pundits were desperate to see get on.
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Foden, 22, has been in red-hot form for Man City this term with eight goals and three assists in 20 appearances.
And former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville was one of those leading the call for him to start.
The ITV pundit said: “ Phil Foden not to be playing for England is a real shame because he’s a massive talent.
“I think he’s our best player, our best talent by a mile. He should be playing in that team.”
He added later: “I’m torn because I’ve go ta lot of respect for Gareth and what he’s achieved – he’s achieved the most since Alf Ramsey.
“But we’ve got a couple of talents sat on the bench in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Foden who are capable of opening up the game.
“Alexander-Arnold has some of the best deliveries you’ll ever see from full-back and on that right side when Rashford came on, he had Henderson and Trippier so he was blocked from getting that delivery in.
“I think those two coming off the bench is a little bit disappointing, if you’re trying to win the game they’re world class talents.”
The result left England still top of the group on four points, one ahead of second-placed Iran.
The USA, who take on Iran on Tuesday, are third on two points after consecutive draws.
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And Wales, who England face in their final Group B match, are bottom on one point.
That means the Three Lions will qualify for the knockouts if they avoid a 4-0 defeat to the Welsh.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
