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BERLIN | Xinhua | Mirroring England’s bumpy journey at Euro 2024, headlines in the British media haven’t been overwhelmingly positive back home.
That Gareth Southgate’s team made it into the quarterfinals seems to have disappeared into the jungle of criticism. The upcoming match against surprise package Switzerland now seems to deliver the chance to change things for the better.
England’s resilience seems to open doors for a breakthrough, but coach Gareth Southgate is yet to receive appreciation for his leadership.
England’s hopes ground on the expectation from Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden.
The Premier League’s 2023-2024 Player of the Season, with 19 goals and eight assists, the 24-year-old has been short of goals in Germany this summer, despite eight promising opportunities to score.
Three years ago, England made their way into the final, narrowly losing against Italy on penalties.
As far as Foden is concerned, the midfielder has returned to Germany after the birth of his third child. A few days ago, he had left the team’s base camp to support his wife.
While Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham have turned into lifesaving late scorers for England, Foden is expected to deliver his share against Switzerland.
Admitting that things haven’t worked out for him so far, Foden expressed hopes “to deliver my contribution. I feel that things improve from game to game”, and adding he hadn’t come to the Euros not to show his skills, after being named the best player in the Premier League.
Foden said he learned from City coach Pep Guardiola “to suffer” and continue running and working. “I have learned to go on, even when things get tight. It makes you win something.”
The team’s goal to win the tournament hasn’t changed, he added. As it seems, the midfielder is aware it is time for him to give his share and make the fans back home happy. “I am in a positive mood and know I must improve. But everyone in the team knows,” he said. ■
