FORMER England boss Sam Allardyce has taken aim at Gareth Southgate’s tactics.
Allardyce, 69, has claimed that Southgate “restricted” Phil Foden with his tactics against Serbia last week.
Foden came under a wave of criticism for his performance against Serbia with the Man City star failing to live up to his usual high standards.
And despite England getting their tournament off to a perfect start with a 1-0 win, Allardyce reckons changes should be made to accommodate Foden’s talents.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: “I love watching Phil Foden. I’ve watched a lot of him at Manchester City and I truly believe that he was restricted in his role against Serbia.
“He wasn’t doing what he does for City, starting on the left and popping up in the centre, rotating his position. It seemed like he was made to stay wide on the left-hand side.
“When you see him at his best, he picks up the ball and can beat as many players as he wants. He plays with freedom at City, but he can’t seem to find that with England.”
Allardyce went on to explain that he would change the setup of England’s midfield if he was still in charge of the Three Lions.
Hinting that he would take Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the midfield three and play Foden and Bellingham alongside Declan Rice instead.
He added: “He’s better off in a central role than on the left. He can play on the left but what he’s done from midfield for City this season has been outstanding, so that’s where I’d like to see him.
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“Foden and Jude Bellingham could complement each other if they both played in the middle.
“I’d have Declan Rice as the only sitting midfielder because that’s my favourite system.
“Foden and Bellingham could share the load, when one goes forward the other sits back. If you do it right, you don’t get exposed.”
Allardyce had his time in the hot-seat when he took over as England boss in 2016.
But the former West Ham gaffer only took charge of ONE GAME after he was sacked for following controversy surrounding an undercover sting.
Allardyce was the England manager for just 67 days, but remains the only Three Lions boss to have a 100 per cent win record – thanks to a 1-0 win over Slovakia in his only game in charge.
Current manager Southgate will have tactical decision to make ahead of England’s Group C clash with Denmark tomorrow with concerns over Foden’s contribution.
One thing that is clear is that the left-back playing behind the left-wing position, that Foden occupied last time out, won’t be Luke Shaw.
Southgate revealed in his press conference that the Man Utd defender is still injured and will miss the game.
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