Phil Foden’s Stellar Performance Reinforces World Cup Aspirations

MANCHESTER, England — England manager Thomas Tuchel need not be reminded of Phil Foden’s exceptional talent. However, his recent performance during Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday may have served as a timely reminder.

Tuchel is set to announce his squad on Friday for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Foden’s two goals at the Etihad Stadium could not have come at a better time. Having missed the last three national team call-ups due to injuries, mental fatigue, and a dip in form, the 25-year-old is racing against time to secure a spot on the plane for next summer’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Against Dortmund, he demonstrated precisely why he deserves a place on that roster.

Tuchel has an impressive array of attacking talent to choose from, raising the possibility that some big names may miss out. Yet, Foden’s standout performance makes it hard to justify excluding him.

“Thomas is incredibly astute and understands the needs of the national team. He knows Phil perfectly,” stated City manager Pep Guardiola. “There is not a single person in this country or around the world who is unaware of Phil’s quality and ability.

“England is fortunate to have an abundance of talented players in this position. That’s why Phil must continually strive to improve. When he gets the call from England, he needs to assert, ‘I’m here to show how good I am.'”

Foden’s display epitomized his talent—dynamic, energetic, and dangerous, even in tight spaces. Few players possess the confidence to demand the ball in crowded situations, and even fewer can create opportunities from seemingly impossible scenarios. In a central role assigned by Guardiola, Foden accomplished this twice against Dortmund, achieving the first UEFA Champions League brace of his career.

Guardiola remarked that his team’s initial performance was lackluster, but everything changed once Foden became involved. Midway through the first half, he received an unassuming pass from Tijjani Reijnders. With the Dortmund defenders well-positioned, Foden expertly maneuvered the ball, executing three delicate touches before finishing with a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. The goal emerged almost out of nowhere, leaving the opposing players puzzled.

Foden’s second goal was arguably even more impressive. Once again receiving a straightforward pass just outside the penalty area, he skillfully navigated past three defenders to slot the ball into the corner with his left foot. Ramy Bensebaini, the Dortmund defender, was so perplexed by Foden’s brilliance that he resorted to pushing him from behind as he shot, but Foden still found the net, leaving the Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel helpless.

“We have witnessed numerous goals like this from Phil over the years,” Guardiola commented. “We missed him significantly last season, and even this season. I believe he will be vital for us. His goals come not from sheer power but from precision—placing the ball close to the post, akin to a pass into the net. In that regard, Phil excels.

“This season, he has returned. When Phil operates at that level, playing between the lines and in the pockets, it is irrelevant what happens around him. He is a special player, and we undoubtedly require his goals.”

Foden will feel he has done all he can to earn a call-up to the England squad. The decision now lies with Tuchel, who has emphasized the importance of teamwork over individual talent during his tenure. This approach partly explains his hesitance to reinstate Jude Bellingham, who, alongside Foden, was omitted from the October international fixtures.

As Tuchel charts a course for World Cup success, the challenge remains: how to integrate Foden, Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane, and others into a cohesive unit. Former England manager Gareth Southgate faced similar dilemmas leading up to Euro 2024, where Foden found himself deployed on the left wing despite recently being crowned the Premier League’s best player. It is worth noting that Foden may not have fully regained his form since that tournament in Germany, where he entered as England’s hopeful star but departed feeling somewhat sidelined.

The upcoming World Cup represents a pivotal opportunity for England to secure its first trophy in 60 years. Foden’s remarkable performance against Dortmund serves as a crucial reminder to Tuchel that he must be included.