England head coach Thomas Tuchel believes using Phil Foden as a false nine in the victory over Serbia was a strategic move to give the team more options.
The Manchester City attacking midfielder came on as a second half substitute for Harry Kane and was surprisingly deployed as the number nine option.
The 25-year-old was very impressive after his introduction and set up two goalscoring chances for Eberechi Eze, one of which resulted in a goal for the Three Lions.
“It’s absolutely an opportunity. If Phil stays in his shape and form, I have no problem [playing him as a No 9]. I have some other options in mind that I do not want to discuss in public”, Tuchel remarked after the game.
“Don’t forget we have Ollie Watkins and [Danny] Welbeck, [who are maybe] more No 9s, also different options to Harry.
“We have many options but it will maybe be about who is in shape, what we have in the squad and how we share the minutes, who we play and what we expect from the match”, the England boss added.
The Three Lions continued their 100% record in World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday night.
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze were on the scoresheet to preserve their perfect record in the group.
Foden, who missed the previous squad for October, was also impressed with his display despite coming on in the second half.
“I thought I did well, created a few chances and unlucky not to put a couple away. Overall, I have to be happy with the impact.
“I’ll play wherever the manager puts me. I can play multiple positions and I was happy to come on as a false nine. I enjoyed it. Maybe it will get the best out of me, only time will tell”, the Man City player added.
“There are quality players all over the pitch. I know there is pressure on me to perform at Man City and I just have to keep my head down and earn my place. The smile is back.”
England will be back in action for their final group game when they visit Albania next Sunday.
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