‘Get these clips to Gareth Southgate’: Rio Ferdinand demands Phil Foden be played in midfield alongside Jude Bellingham at Euro 2024 – after his hat-trick heroics in Man City’s 4-1 win

Rio Ferdinand has urged Gareth Southgate to deploy Phil Foden as part of a midfield three for England at this summer’s European Championship. 

The Manchester City star stole the show as his side romped to a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday night, scoring his second hat-trick of the campaign. 

Foden played as City’s central attacking midfielder in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, a position he excelled in during the Belgian’s lengthy period on the sidelines through injury this season. 

Pep Guardiola has often shifted the 23-year-old out to one of the wings when De Bruyne is present, while Gareth Southgate has been reluctant to field him as one of three central midfielders for England. 

But on the evidence of his most recent performance, Ferdinand believes the case is closed. Foden must play alongside Jude Bellingham, according to the former Manchester United defender, as the pair are operating at a ‘different level’ to their peers. 

Rio Ferdinand believes that Phil Foden should be deployed as part of a midfield three this summer

Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City crushed Aston Villa on Wednesday night 

Gareth Southgate has often opted to field the 23-year-old in one of his two wide attacking positions

‘We’re sitting here going well even with England, surely he’s got to play centrally.’ he said on TNT Sports.  ‘This is the common debate at the moment, where to play Phil Foden to get the best out of him. 

‘These actions here tell you enough, all you need to know. Get these clips to Gareth and say “listen, who else is doing this?”‘

‘Declan Rice holding [midfield],  I’d say Jude Bellingham and Foden, work it out between you. The advanced eight-10 position is how the top teams are playing. 

‘Arsenal do it, Man City do it now. This kid is is a player who finds a way, the intelligence levels of this player are supremely high. 

‘Jude Bellingham’s operating at a different level as well. You find a way to get those two players in because they’re intelligent enough to complement each other. And we saw in those clips there, he’s hitting balls in his own box. 

‘He’s not shy to hard work, he’s not shy doing the dirty stuff as well. Wants to be clinical, wants to be to do stuff at the business end of the pitch, but he’ll roll his sleeves up as well. 

‘In those big games you need players that are going to manage moments in the games and create moments, he’s one of those players that does it as well as anyone.’

Foden’s hat-trick took his goalscoring tally in all competitions to 21. He has also provided 10 assists in a total of 44 matches. 

City were looking to lay down a marker against Villa after failing to break down Arsenal in their goalless draw on Sunday. Guardiola’s side remained a point behind the Gunners after the result and moved level with Liverpool, ahead of their fixture against Sheffield United on Thursday. 

TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist added on Foden’s display: ‘[He] was just a different level tonight. Great evening in the office for Guardiola, Manchester City. 

‘In the second half, they absolutely dominated and [Foden], who’s just picking up that match ball, a well-earned match ball. The second and third goals were special for me. What a performance.’ 

Foden took his goalscoring tally in all competitions this for Manchester City this season to 21

Ferdinand reckons a midfield three of Declan Rice (left), Jude Bellingham (right) and Foden would create moments in big games

Joleon Lescott agreed, believing the trio would cause serious problems for any team 

As for this summer, former City defender Joleon Lescott was similarly effusive in his praise of the City star and agreed with Ferdinand’s picks for the England midfield in Germany. 

‘England have an opportunity to play him, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.’ Lescott said. ‘And figure it out. Figure out between the three of them and I’m sure they’ll provide a lot more problems for opposition teams.’