England manager Gareth Southgate has explained why Manchester City star Phil Foden did not come on against the United States on Friday night.
The Three Lions missed the chance to secure their spot in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup after playing to a goalless draw against the Americans.
There were some debate surrounding Southgate's substitutions, as Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish were the first to come on while Marcus Rashford was only introduced late in the second half.
Misfiring England Held By Winless USA
Foden, however, did not see a single minute on the night, with Southgate defending his decision after the dull draw.
"Whichever one of our forwards we didn't put on and we didn't win the game, I was going to be sitting here answering the question as to why I didn't put them on," Southgate said as per Sky Sports.
"We wanted to change the wide areas. We didn't think it was a game for Phil in the middle because he doesn't play there for his club.
"Defensively, it was a really complicated game for the midfield three to work out. It's partly why we felt Hendo [Jordan Henderson] could help us at that moment as well as giving Jude [Bellingham] the physical rest.
"It was a game for experience in that middle area, so then it was a decision on the wide players and we thought Marcus [Rashford]'s speed would be important and give us something different, and we put Jack [Grealish] on just before that at a time when we weren't getting hold of the ball and we felt he could carry it up the pitch to relieve some pressure on our middle third.
"Without doubt we could have gone with Phil as he's a super player and we love him. Maybe, things could've been different, but that was the choice we went with on the night."
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