Are Phil Foden and Declan Rice injured? A big blow for England ahead of the Slovakia game?
Phil Foden and Declan Rice reportedly missed England training season ahead of Slovakia game
England will face Slovakia in their first round of 16 fixture for the UEFA Euro 2024. Amidst their preparations leading to the game, several players like Phil Foden, Declan Rice, and Kieran Trippier have reportedly missed training sessions. This news has sprung a lot of anxiety among the English supporters as to what really was the reason behind some of these key players not featuring in training.
As for Phil Foden, it was earlier reportedly made clear by the team’s hierarchy that he has left the squad to fly back home for a personal family-related matter, which was related to the birth of his third child. So, he wasn’t present with the first-team squad when their initial training session for the Slovakia game took place. As of now, reports signify that he has returned and has joined the squad leading into Sunday’s game.
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When it comes to Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier, the FA (Football Association) has earlier confirmed that both the players didn’t have any injury issues before the round of 16 fixture. However, both Rice and Trippier have proceeded with individual training programs in order to effectively manage their workload leading into the knock-out stages of the Euro 2024.
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Both Phil Foden and Declan Rice have still not found their mojo in the Euro 2024 for England so far
England goes into their round of 16 fixture against Slovakia as the favorites to win. However, that doesn’t undermine the fact of how below-par the Three Lions have looked so far in their performances throughout the group stages of the Euro 2024. The football that was expected from Gareth Southgate’s side leading into the tournament with players like Phil Foden, Declan Rice, and Harry Kane at his disposal, has been missing from their on-field displays.
With the team managing to progress to the next round, now the pressure will be higher in terms of the results in every game they play. Phil Foden hasn’t managed to have the same effect on England’s side in the ongoing Euros as a player like Jamal Musiala has for Germany. From what fans have seen over the years in his stint at Man City, one expects him to be taking a few more risks and willing to play with an attacking mindset for the team.
When one comes to Declan Rice, he is expected to be the key to England’s midfield if they desire to have a memorable Euro 2024. However, despite his presence, the Three Lions have struggled to stamp authority over certain phases in matches throughout the group stages. The way Denmark took the game to them, exposed the teams’ belief system to an extent.
Of course, Rice will need a bit more support from players around him like Jude Bellingham, and either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Conor Gallagher, but he also seemed to be taking a bit more time on the ball and getting dispossessed in the process. The midfielder must step up his game going to the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Also Read: Anthony Gordon suffers injury scare ahead of England’s clash with Slovakia