Darren Bent might not have set the field aflame during his time with the English national team, but the veteran enjoyed a fine spell of success with several clubs in the Premier League. Now a pundit, he has not shied away from bringing up opinions that might appear unpopular but have a basis in fact.
The Three Lions are set to enter a new era under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel. The German is a rather controversial but brilliant manager whose tactical acumen has seen him manage some of European football’s storied clubs. He will now take over an England side brimming with talent but lacking the nous to go all the way at major tournaments.
Given the talent at the nation’s disposal, Tuchel will struggle to accommodate all the top players into his playing XI. According to Bent, one star who is expected to get the sack is Manchester City star Phil Foden. A regular under Pep Guardiola, the 24-year-old has proven his ability to perform in clutch situations as a reliable matchwinner.
During a recent interview with talkSPORT via YouTube, Bent articulated his thoughts on Foden’s inconsistent performances for England, despite his undeniable brilliance at the club level. Here is what he said:
“Listen, Foden for England hasn’t been there regardless of how good he is for Manchester City, which is unbelievable—one of the best players on the planet. When he puts an England shirt on, he’s not the same, and I think Thomas Tuchel will look at that and go, ‘Well, no, you’re not going to play.’ So, I genuinely think Thomas Tuchel will not have an issue with that.”
Foden’s talent is beyond dispute. The 24-year-old has consistently been a standout performer for Manchester City, helping them secure multiple titles, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
His dribbling ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in football. However, his form has not translated consistently onto the international stage, leading to questions about his role in the England squad.
Foden’s experience with the national team has been a mixed bag. While he has showcased flashes of brilliance, critics have pointed out that he often struggles to replicate his club performances when donning the England jersey. This inconsistency could be a significant factor for Tuchel as he builds his line-ups and squads for upcoming international fixtures.
Considering the plethora of options England have in the attacking areas, if Foden doesn’t step his game up, he cannot be guaranteed a place in England’s plans based solely on his performances for Manchester City. When someone as talented as James Maddison, despite performing decently for England when given the chance is being left out of every squad while Foden finds a place, questions are bound to be raised.
Tuchel will undoubtedly have his own vision for the national team. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to maximize player potential, Tuchel may prioritize players who not only perform at a high level but also fit seamlessly into his tactical setup. If Foden fails to impress during training sessions or in preliminary selections, Tuchel may decide to explore other options.
The competition for places in the England line-up is fierce, with a plethora of attacking talents vying for limited spots. With players like Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, and Marcus Rashford also in contention, Foden will need to prove he can contribute effectively to the national side. Should the €150m-rated star continue to underperform, it may lead to his exclusion from future line-ups and even potentially from future squads.
While Foden remains a crucial asset for Manchester City, his position in the England national team setup is not guaranteed. Darren Bent’s bold prediction may serve as a wake-up call for the young star to refocus and prove his worth on the international stage. As the new era under Tuchel begins, only time will tell how the XI and squads shape up and whether Foden can reclaim his place in his system.
Tuchel is no man’s fool.
Darren Bent cannot say the same.
A coach has to understand his players to use them effectively, sometimes to bring out the best inthem, sometimes to bring out wha is needed for the team.
The jury is out on Tuchel, but sadly not on The noble Lord Waistcoat.
Stupid comment by Bent. It is patently obvious thar Bellingham is the issue his indiscipline causes issues for Palmer, Saka Foden and any other attacking midfielder/forward. Bent like most of the current crop of sub standard pundits has no real idea of how to look and analyse a football team