Phil Foden’s late appearance in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal felt more like a “charity” substitution, according to former England captain Wayne Rooney.
City were closing in on a 2-0 victory at Wembley Stadium on Sunday when Foden came on in the 90th minute, replacing Rayan Cherki. The 25-year-old has struggled for regular playing time, starting only four of City’s last 13 matches in all competitions and failing to score in his past 20 appearances.
Foden said after the game: “Football sometimes is not straightforward. There are ups and downs and sometimes you can’t be the best version of yourself. It’s just about how you pick yourself back up. I’m still keeping my head down and trying to train as well as I can every day. Hopefully I come back after the internationals a lot sharper and get more minutes.”
Despite his recent struggles, Foden has won 18 trophies since breaking into the first team and was called up to the expanded England squad for upcoming friendlies. However, there are questions over whether he will make the squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Speaking on his show, Rooney said: “I felt sad for him, but not because he was coming on in a cup final. To see Phil Foden come on at the end felt like a charity sub. He is a top player, but it feels strange he can’t get near the team. He will be pleased they won the cup, but he would have wanted to be out there making an impact. That will be tough for him.”
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