ARSENE WENGER believes Phil Foden is NOT ready to play for England, saying “so many good players” struggle to replicate their best form with Three Lions.
In one of their most-recent games, England edged past Iceland thanks to a 91st-minute penalty from Raheem Sterling, with both teams reduced to ten men.
Arsene Wenger has hit out at England’s underperforming stars, saying they’re ‘scared’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Wenger doesn’t believe Foden has done enough to be considered a starCredit: Reuters
Amongst the millions watching the drab match was football-buff Wenger.
And the former Arsenal boss claimed he believes a host of elite Premier League stars get “scared” when they pull on the Three Lions jersey.
Wenger was in charge at the Gunners when England’s ‘Golden Generation’, including Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes, John Terry and Ashley, flopped.
Now, having reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, fans are hopeful emerging young talents such as Foden, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood can contribute to a new ‘Golden’ era.
But based on their Iceland performance, Wenger isn’t holding out much hope, telling The Times: “It was bad.
“I’ve seen so many good players not doing well for England. They’re scared to play.”
Of all the latest young talents to burst onto the scene in England, Foden is arguably the one showing the most encouraging signs.
And while Wenger admits the Manchester City youngster, 20, is a talented player, the Frenchman reckons he won’t succeed with such little experience at club level.
Foden was axed by England for sneaking girls into his hotel room in IcelandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Wenger – who admitted he may have overstayed his welcome in North London – continued: “Phil Foden is a guy with big quality.
“But at the moment he has not made it… he hasn’t played enough at Manchester City.
“You need about 100 games to know your job in the Premier League.”
Foden has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming triple-header against Wales, Belgium and Denmark.
The City midfielder and Manchester United ace Greenwood were both axed after meeting up with Icelandic stunner Lara Clausen at Reykjavik’s £55-a-night Radisson Blu Saga Hotel after the 1-0 win last month.
Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden axed by England after ‘inviting girls to hotel’ breaking Covid rules in Iceland
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
