The 23-year-old, who will be pushing for a starting berth when England face Scotland in a friendly at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening, has stressed his desire to play in a central position.
Foden has played the bulk of his football for club and country out wide, often being deployed on the left for City. However, there have been increasing calls for him to play in a central role for England, joining forces with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in a much-fancied midfield trio.
It is felt that an England midfield-three of Rice, Bellingham and Foden would provide an array of qualities, both defensively and offensively, and offer the Three Lions great balance. It would also enable them to get as much attacking talent on the pitch as possible.
Southgate, however, has suggested that he will not entertain that idea, admitting that Foden is at the peak of his powers when deployed out wide.
“He doesn&apost for his club,” said Southgate, addressing Foden&aposs prospects of playing in midfield. “So presumably there is a reason for that.
“It depends on the level of the game, really. In the middle of the park, everyone wants to talk about the with the ball but there is a lot of detail without the ball, and in games at the weekend, you are playing opponents who are so clever with their passing and movement that you have to be spot on with your responsibilities.
“If you don&apost, you don&apost get the flow of the game. You&aposd have to speak to Pep [Guardiola], who is the best coach in the world, who plays him from wide. He&aposs always got the freedom to drift if we play him wide. And that&aposs important.
“But we are very happy with Phil. He&aposs played in the Euros, came on in the semi-final of the Euros and had a big impact, he&aposs played in World Cups for us, he&aposs only 23 years old, he&aposs got amazing experiences.
