5 problems for Gareth Southgate to solve ahead of Euro 2020

Gareth Southgate salutes the England supporters after beating Switzerland on penalties
Gareth Southgate salutes the England supporters after beating Switzerland on penalties

#3 Can he get Phil Foden in the team?

Phil Foden will be in action for England under21's this summer
Phil Foden will be in action for England under21's this summer

Another area of the pitch where Southgate is still searching for the right formula is in the middle of the pitch. Players like Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ross Barkley and Dele Alli have all been given plenty of opportunities without ever really making the position their own.

Phil Foden could be the answer - the problem is him getting enough club football minutes with Manchester City to convince Southgate he is ready for the step up to full fleged international football.

He played a lot more games in 2018-19 but is still nowhere near playing enough football to convince the manager that he is ready.

The flip side of that argument is if Southgate is already convinced he has what it takes, one could certainly make a compelling case for his inclusion given how well he has played for Manchester City when he has made it onto the pitch.

If he's good enough then surely he is old enough. The first few months of next season for Foden will be key. If he isn't getting the game time he wants then perhaps a loan move in January might benefit all parties and get him the minutes he needs to really state his case for inclusion.

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