Phil Foden Shines Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
With the World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel would have been reminded, once again, of Phil Foden’s talent during Manchester City’s 4-1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund. On the eve of announcing his squad for the critical matches against Serbia and Albania, Tuchel had a front-row seat to Foden’s impressive display, which included two goals that could prove crucial for securing his place on England’s roster for the World Cup next summer, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Foden’s Journey Back to the National Team
After missing the last three national team selections due to injuries, mental fatigue, and a dip in form, the 25-year-old is racing against time to ensure he makes the flight for the tournament. Against Dortmund, Foden demonstrated precisely why he deserves a spot on the squad. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed confidence in Tuchel’s understanding of Foden’s capabilities, commenting:
“Thomas is so wise and knows exactly what the national team needs, and I think he knows Phil perfectly.”
He added that the competition for spots is fierce, but Foden must continuously strive to elevate his game.
Impressive Performance Against Dortmund
In a performance filled with energy and creativity, Foden stood out, showcasing exceptional skills even in tight situations. Guardiola, noting their rough start, remarked that the game transformed when Foden became involved. His first goal came off a seemingly harmless pass, which he turned into a breathtaking left-footed strike that caught the opposition off guard.
His second goal was arguably even more impressive. With three defenders closing in, Foden managed to maneuver his way through their ranks to slot the ball into the net once again, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities out of thin air. Even when pushed from behind as he shot, his persistence paid off when the ball found its target. Guardiola praised Foden’s technique, emphasizing his knack for scoring effortlessly by placing the ball close to the post rather than relying on power.
Challenges Ahead for Tuchel
Foden’s recent resurgence has put him in a favorable position as he attempts to force his way back into the national squad. However, Tuchel’s previous inclination has been towards team cohesion over individual star talent, leading to tough decisions on who to include, as was the case with Jude Bellingham, who was also left out of the recent international matches.
Integrating Foden with Other Talents
As the World Cup looms, the challenge remains of how to best integrate Foden alongside other top talents like Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Harry Kane. In prior tournaments, Foden appeared out of position, despite being a standout performer in the Premier League, which raises concerns about whether he has fully regained his form since Euro 2024.
For England, which is on the hunt for its first major trophy in six decades, Foden’s standout performance against Dortmund serves as a timely reminder to Tuchel of the player’s potential importance to the squad tour this summer.
