BRYAN ROBSON: England’s wake up call against USA could be a way back into the fold for Phil Foden – who can frighten ANY defence in the world… as Harry Maguire’s dominant displays speaks volumes for his character
The backlash England and Gareth Southgate have received as a result of the display against the US is just the jolt they and the country needed. It’s the first real serious challenge to Gareth’s judgment over his team selection and in-game decisions, and he will be feeling that weight of scrutiny every previous England manager has felt.
The only previous questions have come over his substitutions in the Euro 2020 final but that was brushed over as we have made such progress. Now the expectations are higher and so are the demands, especially after winning our opening match so convincingly.
I know for all his words in public, Gareth and his staff will be doing their own scrutinising; asking questions of himself, of what went wrong and what we need to do better. We hate hearing old cliches but the truth is winning a World Cup game isn’t easy and our support has to wake up to that, too.
Gareth Southgate will be scrutinising both his and his team’s performance against the USA
Other countries are catching up on and off the pitch, just look at Argentina and Germany’s opening results. The US suffocated us because they have some very good technical and athletic players. Leeds United’s Tyler Adams was excellent but we should have freshened things up earlier and Gareth will be wise to that.
I’m firmly of the mind Phil Foden can make a big difference. We have six attacking players who have a legitimate claim to start against Wales, I don’t think it’s just about replacing Mason Mount, as he has been training well and has done OK in the two games, but Foden can frighten any defence.
Wales will be fiery. Friday’s performance will have given them encouragement. They love nothing better than beating the English and they will be more than up for it. Our objective must be to rattle into them from the start; win the battle to earn the right to play.
The tempo must be much quicker because that’s where we are at our best, and not taking too many shape-shifting passes from side to side. Take the risk, go forward and that’s where players like Foden excel. Great players take the right options and he does that more than most.
A British derby should be the perfect stage for us to return to form and we need to because winning the group gives us a better route to the final. Games against Wales were always a bit tasty, though my experiences were in the Home International Championships.
Phil Foden was left on the bench as England floundered in a 0-0 draw with USA on Friday
I can remember the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Peter Nicholas being a bit combative, even dirty at times. He’d leave his foot in but I relished the challenge. When we played Republic of Ireland in Italia 90, it was equally cagey, two teams knew each other well, I was up against Andy Townsend and Paul McGrath.
Foden can frighten any defence in the world
My big moment was missing a chance set up by Paul Gascoigne and we ended up drawing 1-1. This time I’m very confident England can win.
The US were excellent at nullifying our threat down the flanks and Gareth needs to improve that and dominate the midfield. We should have too much quality for them in that area and Foden will be chomping at the bit.
The one positive was Harry Maguire’s performance. Harry has taken a lot of criticism and had a torrid time lately, so for him to put in such a dominant display at this level speaks volumes for his character.
That growing confidence will be tested by Kieffer Moore, who will be Wales’ main target of attack, but again it’s a battle Harry should be up for.
We’ve had our wake-up call, now we need to up the tempo and grab this chance to progress.
Harry Maguire silenced many of his critics with his performance on Friday winning his 50th cap
