Gary Lineker makes clear to Gareth Southgate his feelings on England selection dilemma

Gareth Southgate has a number of attacking options at his disposal for Euro 2024 and former England striker Gary Lineker wants to see Phil Foden in the number 10 role

Gary Lineker has urged Gareth Southgate to play Phil Foden as England’s number 10 at Euro 2024, despite Jude Bellingham starring in the role for Real Madrid.

Foden has won both the Premier League and FWA player of the year awards, having made 38 goal contributions for Manchester City as they won a fourth consecutive league title this season.

The 23-year-old has featured in a variety of positions under Pep Guardiola and largely played either as a number 10 or on the right wing this season. And Lineker believes Foden would be best suited in the number 10 role for England, with Bellingham dropping deeper into midfield alongside Declan Rice.

” Phil Foden will play, he’s world class,” Lineker told William Hill. “He has to start in that side, but it’s a question of where because we’re spoiled for number 10s in the squad. Having said that, he can play on either wing too. I’d be interested to see how and where he features for England.

“I’d like to see him play the number 10 role with Jude Bellingham in midfield. Whether Gareth Southgate goes with that, we’ll have to wait and see. I’ve been a fan of Foden for a long time. He’s been fabulous this season.

“He can play in any position and he’s realising that potential that we all saw in him. I love the way he takes the ball on the half-turn, the way he finishes, his work-rate, his energy. His first touch is sublime. He’s a joy to watch.”

Lineker also believes England deserve to enter the tournament as one of the favourites, given the “staggering bunch of players” at Southgate’s disposal. “I think England are rightly favourites along with France, but there are other good teams in there as well,” he added.

“If you keep knocking at the door, eventually it will open. With a bit of luck, England can go all the way. And if not, they can try again in two, four, six years’ time because this team will still be around.

“You’ve got the likes of Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer – who might be the best of them all, he’s been unbelievable this season. What a lovely choice to have!

“It’s exciting. England have got a staggering bunch of players, right throughout the team. We know in tournaments it’s not about the starting XI, it’s about your squad – because the team that starts isn’t the team that finishes.”