Phil Foden is England’s new Paul Gascoigne – and should be unleashed in a free role against Senegal in the World Cup
That’s the view of Paul Parker who told Betfred TV that the Stockport-born Manchester City ace should be given “freedom to roam” against the African champions in the last 16 knockout game on Sunday.
” He is a modern-day Paul Gascoigne … someone with imagination, to make something happen when things are against you,” said Parker, who made his name at Manchester United and won 19 England caps.
Parker, with a similar pint-sized stature to Foden, warned about taking unfancied African nations lightly. He was in the England team that almost came unstuck against Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup.
He said : “You cannot dismiss their ability,” and went on to say that African nations are becoming stronger in the game, with Senegal having many players who ply their trade at the top level.
He had this advice to England: ” Be patient. Take the sting out of Senegal by keeping the ball.” Although he wants Foden to start on Sunday he would prefer Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka to get a starting 11 slot ahead of Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.
“I have not seen enough from Marcus Rashford to surpass Saka,” said Parker, who pointed out Rashford might have scored two against a poor Welsh side while Saka also notched a brace against Iran in England’s opening group game.
Parker reckons England will beat Senegal 2-1 while his starting line-up would be: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Mount, Saka, Kane and Foden.
Asked if he thinks England can win the World Cup in Qatar, Parker said he thought the prospect of a quarter final against France looked “very, very tough.”
