Foden back in camp as Mainoo prepares for England start
City playmaker expected to train today after birth of son Konsa puts forward case to become emergency left-back
Phil Foden was due to return to England’s Euro 2024 camp in Germany last night after his partner gave birth to a son.
That left manager Gareth Southgate with a decision over whether to keep Foden in his team for Sunday’s last-16 clash against Slovakia.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo (right) is in line to start his first game of the Euros after an impressive performance as a substitute in the draw with Slovenia on Tuesday.
But Southgate must decide whether Foden will be fully prepared for Sunday, having been away from camp for almost two days. The midfielder returned home for the birth of his third child straight after the draw with Slovenia. He was still absent for yesterday’s training session in Blankenhain, but was due to fly back last night, in time to train today.
Declan Rice did not train with the main group yesterday, nor did Kieran Trippier, who has been managing a slight calf issue. The pair did individual work inside.
Rice is believed to have been given a rest day and is expected to be fit to start against Slovakia.
Southgate will also hope that Trippier, who has been standing in at left-back, can play, even though Luke Shaw again trained with the squad.
Shaw has not played a game since February and starting him against Slovakia would be viewed as a risk. Trippier was taken off late in the Slovenia game. Kyle Walker finished at left-back, with Trent Alexander-arnold coming on at right-back.
Mainoo replaced Conor Gallagher at half-time and helped England to improve after the break. The 19-year-old is now in line to be handed his first major tournament start for the Three Lions.
Southgate has so far tried Alexander-arnold and Gallagher next to Rice in the centre of his England midfield.
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has confirmed that he would be happy to be used as an emergency left-back if needed.
“I’ve given it a go,” Konsa said. “At Charlton, I played there a couple of times, but then I played at left-back, right-back, centre-back, all across the back four. I’m more than happy to do it. Obviously, left-back is a bit different, but wherever the gaffer wants to put me, I’ll try my best and give it my all.”
Asked if his versatility was key to him being included in Southgate’s 26-man squad, Konsa added: “Definitely. It’s also important that as a player, in modern football – like with Manchester City, you see the centre-halves play left-back, right-back and it’s something that is happening more and more often. For me, it’s something I’ve done my whole career and I’m happy to do it.
“Obviously, like everyone, I want to play. If and when my time comes, I’ll be ready, but I’ve enjoyed the experience so far. It’s my first major tournament and, hopefully, it won’t be the last one.”
England players bonded following the Slovenia game by drinking beers and relaxing by the swimming pool.
Rather than doing their “warmdown” on training pitches at the Spa and Golf Resort Weimarer Land, they held an indoor recovery session and also did yoga before being given time off. It is thought that players enjoyed drinks together and were socialising around the pool at their resort.
Southgate has allowed families to visit the camp after matches, although it has not been as busy as other tournaments due to England’s location in central Germany, which meant hours of travel after matches in the west.
“We are in a strong position,” goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale said. “The boys who have played and did media duties have summed it up – we’ve not played our best stuff but you win stuff sticking together and let the outside noise be the outside noise.”
Players have been enjoying games of cricket, with a square set up next to their training pitches. Harry Kane was at Tottenham when indoor cricket was part of the team bonding during Jose Mourinho’s time at the club.
Southgate’s squad have also been throwing a mini-american football around between themselves. Kane is known to be an NFL fan and has previously talked about being a kicker.
Jude Bellingham revealed he would have liked to have been a quarterback if he played another sport. His former club, Birmingham City, last season received investment from Tom Brady, who is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
“I’d love to be a quarterback,” Bellingham said. “It looks like fun and a lot of pressure but I know from my home, things like Brady – they are creative how they do their plays. The downside is how they get hit.”