Phil Foden should start against Wales or England risk another wasted talent
England’s Phil Foden appeared as a substitute against Iran but was unused in the stalemate with the USA. Photograph: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar
Glenn Hoddle’s frustrating England career is a warning that Gareth Southgate must get more from his most gifted player
When I worked with Glenn Hoddle on his autobiography Playmaker one of our most illuminating conservations was about his England career. The frustration itched away at him. “I always fought against the tide when I played for England,” Hoddle said. “There was never a coach who truly trusted me.”
We spoke about it for hours. Hoddle was a gem for an excellent Tottenham side, one of the best creative midfielders of his generation, but he was never England’s main man. He recalled feeling suffocated when he lined up on the right wing in a 4-4-2, wishing that he had the freedom to drift inside to get on the ball, and he hated the idea that he was a luxury player.
“We only used a diamond once, away to Hungary in 1983,” Hoddle said. “It was the only time I played as a No 10. I scored the opener and made two goals. We never did it again. It was weird.”
