In a performance against Scotland he labeled as ‘embarrassing’, Ian Wright took aim at England manager Gareth Southgate’s decisions.
Ian Wright felt Gareth Southgate’s decision to take off Phil Foden was ‘very disappointing’ and questioned why Jadon Sancho didn’t come off the bench.
The former Three Lions striker felt Southgate’s side lacked creativity in Friday’s 0-0 draw with Scotland in their second Euro 2020 fixture, leaving him baffled by Foden’s substitution.
The Manchester City midfielder showed moments of promise on the ball in his second start in as many games but ultimately couldn’t make the desired impact. Southgate elected to replace him with Jack Grealish past the hour-mark.
“There’s no way Foden should be leaving the pitch today… you’ve got Sancho on the bench – 15 goals and 20 assists a season – and he doesn’t even get on. We need to create… I’m embarrassed for us today.”
🗣 @IanWright0 reflects on #ENGSCO pic.twitter.com/ySGCnIkcJU
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2021
“Why has he taken Foden off for? There’s no way Phil Foden should be leaving the pitch today, for me. It’s very disappointing to see,” said Wright on ITV Sport.
“You’ve got someone like Jadon Sancho on the bench, 16 goals, 20 assists this season – he doesn’t even get on and we need to create.
“We can talk about Harry Kane and the chances he could have had, or how many touches he hasn’t had, but at the same time, did we really create enough?”
The Arsenal legend also felt the lack of creativity was a big reason behind Harry Kane’s lackluster performance.
The England captain had another disappointing performance and made way for Marcus Rashford in the second half.
“I think it’s plain to see that he doesn’t look at his best. Let’s face it,” said Wright on Kane.
“You’re looking at the chances created, Reece James coming into the team, one of the best crossers from his position, hardly any crosses, not enough balls into the last third for people to play.
“Did we have enough? We looked like a team, we’re meant to be favorites to win the tournament, it’s embarrassing, I was embarrassed for us today.”
England now sit second in Group D and level on four points with leaders Czech Republic, who are ahead due to a superior goal difference.
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