Jamie Carragher has slammed Gareth Southgate for failing to call upon the creative ability of Phil Foden as England produced an underwhelming performance in their 0-0 draw with the USA - and claimed Pep Guardiola would never have made the same mistake.
The Three Lions rarely troubled US goalkeeper Matt Turner during the drab stalemate at Al Bayt Stadium, registering just three shots on target throughout.
Although they look in a strong position to qualify from Group B, England's showing was in stark contrast to their 6-2 demolition of Iran in their opening match.
Writing in his column for the Telegraph shortly after the game, former Liverpool and England defender Carragher took a swipe at Southgate for his decision to leave Foden on the bench as the 1966 World Cup winners struggled to break down a resolute opposition defence.
"You could almost hear a nation shouting at the TV: “Get Phil Foden on’," began Carragher.
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"I was among those hoping Gareth Southgate would turn to the Manchester City youngster. It was baffling that he remained on the bench when the game was crying out for his creativity.
"If you had told me before the tournament that Foden would only feature for 19 minutes of the first two World Cup games, my initial thought would be he must be injured."
As England chased a goal that would have seen them qualify for the knockout phases with a game to spare, Southgate opted to introduce Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford, leaving a stone-faced Foden watching on from the touchline.
Following the match, Southgate revealed his reasoning for overlooking Foden, saying: "I didn’t think it was a game for Phil inside because there was a lot more defensive work, a very strong midfield you’re playing against.
"He doesn’t play there normally, we brought him on as a No.10 the other day, but it’s not a position he plays at his club. So there’s a reason for that, without the ball. But he’s a super player, we love him."
READ MORE: England 0-0 USA: Why didn't Gareth Southgate bring on Phil Foden?
Carragher, though, believes that the England boss should have backed 'special talent' Foden to come on and change the complexion of the game.
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"He is too much of a special talent. Speak to any football supporter watching the Premier League over the last three years and ask ‘who is the most naturally gifted English footballer today?’ and 80 per cent would say Foden. The other 20 per cent are not watching closely enough."
Carragher: 'Guardiola wouldn't bring Grealish on over Foden'
"For Southgate to turn to his substitutes and opt for his City team-mate Jack Grealish ahead of him felt strange. Would Pep Guardiola look to Grealish before Foden if seeking a winning goal? Highly unlikely."
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Phil Foden of England looks on from the bench during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
How has Foden performed this season compared to England's other forwards?
Although he's historically struggled to produce his best form on the international stage, there can be no denying that he's been sensational for Man City this season.
Courtesy of Who Scored, we've taken a look at the average rating of all eight forwards in the England squad, with Foden featuring prominently among the top performers.
8. Raheem Sterling | Chelsea | 6.68 average rating
7. Marcus Rashford | Manchester United | 6.80
6. Callum Wilson | Newcastle | 7.05
5. Jack Grealish | Manchester City | 7.10
4. Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | 7.35
3. Phil Foden | Manchester City | 7.37
2. James Maddison | Leicester | 7.39
1. Harry Kane | Tottenham | 7.47
With 12 Premier League goals to his name, Spurs striker Kane unsurprisingly heads the ratings.
Next is Leicester midfielder Maddison, whose impressive form for the Foxes saw him stake a late claim for a place in Southgate's World Cup squad. The 26-year-old, though, has been battling a knee problem and was never likely to feature against the US.
Comparision of Phil Foden's PL stats
Foden comes in third - ahead of both Grealish and Rashford - as well as starters Saka and Sterling.
Despite England looking well on course to progress in the tournament, it would be surprising if Southgate didn't shuffle his pack somewhat for Tuesday's clash with Wales.
It remains to be seen whether Southgate will bow to overwhelming public opinion and hand Foden the first World Cup start of his career.
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