England boss Gareth Southgate has a big problem with three players after Scotland win

England Gareth Southgate Scotland

England boss Gareth Southgate masterminded his side's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday night

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 13/09/2023

- 11:03

The Three Lions were too strong for their fierce rivals at Hampden Park

When it comes to right-wingers, England certainly seem well-stocked.

Gareth Southgate insisted before his side's victory over Scotland that Phil Foden belonged in that position, instead of playing centrally.


And by the time the final whistle blew at a raucous Hampden Park, the 53-year-old had certainly been proven right.

England were outstanding on the night, producing a dynamic and enterprising performance just days after a drab 1-1 draw against Ukraine.

Phil Foden England Scotland

Phil Foden sparkled as England beat Scotland

PA

This was the Three Lions roaring, with Foden justifying his selection by opening the scoring from close range following good work from Kyle Walker.

Another goal from Jude Bellingham had England cruising and though Scotland pulled one back following an own goal from Harry Maguire, Harry Kane's late strike made the result safe.

Foden was impressive. That hasn't always been the case for the Manchester City star at international level, with the youngster sometimes struggling to make his mark.

Yet the 23-year-old is a talent and showed exactly why he's regarded as one of the best young players in the whole of world football.

Now, with next summer's European Championships creeping closer, Southgate has a problem.

However, fortunately for the England boss, it's a good one to have.

Who is England's best option for the right? Foden has put himself in contention to become a regular in that position following his dazzling performance against Scotland.

Yet Southgate has a squad that is blessed for talent and Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish can both play there, too.

Saka, arguably, is the best of the three.

The Arsenal star has gone from strength to strength for both club and country ever since his agonising penalty shootout miss against Italy in the final of the European Championships two years ago.

Saka provides England with speed and directness.

And he's also got positive chemistry with fellow attackers Kane and Marcus Rashford, too.

Then there's Grealish who, while better on the opposite flank, is able to play on the right wing as well.

It's been a slow start for the Manchester City star after a summer of partying in the wake of the club's incredible treble triumph.

Yet Grealish, on his day, is a force to be reckoned with. Certainly, it's now clear why Pep Guardiola was prepared to spend £100million on the player two years ago.

There's still plenty of time, and matches, until the Euros kick off next summer.

But Southgate will now need to spend his time mulling over who his best option on the right flank is.

Certainly, that's a positive. Unlike England's previous 'Golden Generation' they've got enough strength in depth to win any major tournament.

Regarding Foden, Southgate praised the City star after the game.

"I'm pleased for him. I've had a lot of questions about him [from the media]," he said.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Jack Grealish Bukayo Saka

England also have Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka to mull over after Scotland win

PA

"He scored a goal and I thought his performance was really good.

"He did a really good job for us without the ball too and that's often overlooked.

"To press well and counter-press was exceptional."

You may like