The English football landscape has undergone significant transformations since Phil Foden's triumphant Golden Ball win at the Under-17 World Cup in 2017. This pivotal moment marked a turning point for the English game, as the elite player performance plan (EPPP) and the England DNA project began to yield promising results. However, the path from prodigy to glory is fraught with challenges, and Foden's journey serves as a testament to the unpredictability of youth football.
As the years have passed, England's senior side has achieved considerable success, reaching two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, while the under-21s have secured two European titles. Notably, previous Golden Ball winners, such as Cesc Fàbregas and Toni Kroos, have gone on to win the senior World Cup. Others, like Landon Donovan, Anderson, and Kelechi Iheanacho, have enjoyed decent careers. Nevertheless, some prodigies have vanished from the football scene almost entirely, with Sani Emmanuel and Kelechi Nwakali being notable examples.
The road to success is indeed rocky, and Foden's experience is a case in point. Despite being an England regular since 2020, he faced a period of uncertainty earlier this year, requesting to be left out of the squad in June due to personal issues. His subsequent omission from the September internationals, during which England impressed under Thomas Tuchel, raised questions about his place in the team. Although he returned to the squad in November, his position remains far from guaranteed.
It says much about the success of the EPPP that England find themselves in a position in which Foden's place in the team is not guaranteed.
This shift in dynamics is a reflection of Tuchel's focus on balance over individual talent. The manager has emphasized the importance of selecting players who fit his preferred structure, rather than simply choosing the best players. This approach is reminiscent of Alf Ramsey's philosophy, which prioritized picking the right players over the best players. Tuchel's stance is clear: a cap is not a merit award, but rather a strategic decision based on the team's needs.
England's experience at the last Euros, where Gareth Southgate seemed to select players based on ability and status rather than utility, serves as a cautionary tale. The resulting logjam highlighted the importance of choosing players who fit a specific role, rather than simply selecting the most talented individuals. Tuchel's preference for specialist wide players, who can drive beyond Harry Kane into the space vacated when he drops deep, is a deliberate attempt to avoid a similar situation.
This approach leaves Foden in a slightly strange position. When used by England, he has often been deployed in a wide role, which has rarely allowed him to showcase his full potential. At Manchester City, the sophisticated inter-movement has enabled him to come infield without creating an imbalance. The question remains whether Foden can adapt to Tuchel's system and find a way to thrive in a more defined role.
As the World Cup approaches, England's squad selection will be subject to intense scrutiny. Foden's position remains uncertain, and his ability to adapt to Tuchel's system will be crucial in determining his role in the team. One thing is clear, however: the journey from prodigy to glory is long and arduous, and even the most talented players must navigate significant challenges to achieve success.
In the world of football, nothing is guaranteed, and Foden's story serves as a reminder that even the most promising young players must continue to work tirelessly to realize their potential. As the football landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the pursuit of excellence and the relentless drive to succeed at the highest level.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
