Phil Foden Shines in Manchester City Victory, Making Strong Case for England Recall

MANCHESTER, England — England manager Thomas Tuchel is undoubtedly aware of Phil Foden’s exceptional talent. However, after witnessing Foden’s impressive two-goal performance during Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, he received a timely reminder.

Tuchel is set to announce his latest squad on Friday in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Foden’s goals at the Etihad Stadium could not have come at a better moment. Having been omitted from the last three national team selections due to a combination of injury, mental fatigue, and declining form, the 25-year-old has limited time to secure his spot for next summer’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Against Dortmund, he showcased precisely why he deserves to be part of the tournament.

Tuchel has numerous attacking options at his disposal, and there is a real possibility that some high-profile players may not make the cut. However, Foden’s standout performance makes it hard to imagine he would be among those left out.

“Thomas is incredibly astute and fully understands the national team’s requirements; he knows Phil well,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “There is no one in this country—or indeed the world—who is unaware of Phil’s quality and skill.

“England is fortunate to have an abundance of talented players in this position, which is why Phil must continually strive to improve. When selected for the national team, he needs to seize the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities.”

Foden exemplified his best form—dynamic, energetic, and dangerous—even in confined spaces. Only a select few players possess the confidence to demand the ball while surrounded by defenders, and even fewer can create opportunities from seemingly impossible situations. Foden, elevated to a central role by Guardiola, executed this twice against Dortmund, marking the first UEFA Champions League brace of his career.

Guardiola noted that his team appeared disoriented in the first 10 minutes but turned the game around once they got Foden involved.

Midway through the first half, Foden received an unassuming pass from Tijjani Reijnders. Despite Dortmund’s organized defense supported by their passionate fans, Foden expertly transformed a simple pass into a stunning goal, effortlessly finding the bottom corner with his left foot.

Foden’s second goal was arguably even more impressive. Once again taking a straightforward pass outside the penalty area, he expertly navigated through three Dortmund defenders before finding the net with his left foot. Ramy Bensebaini, Dortmund’s No. 5, was so at a loss on how to stop him that he resorted to pushing Foden just as he shot. Nevertheless, the ball zipped past the outstretched arm of Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, and Foden raced off to celebrate with the City substitutes gathered by the corner flag.

“We have seen countless goals like this from Phil over the years,” Guardiola remarked. “We missed him significantly last season and even this one. I believe he’s poised to make a substantial impact. He possesses the confidence to score these types of goals, which are less about power and more about precision—placing the ball near the post. In this regard, Phil is exceptional.

“This season, he is back. When Phil operates at this level, seamlessly moving between the lines and exploiting spaces, it becomes irrelevant what else is happening on the pitch. He is a unique talent, and we certainly need his goals.”

Foden has undoubtedly done all he can to earn a recall to the England squad. The decision now rests with Tuchel, who has emphasized the importance of team cohesion over individual brilliance during his tenure. This principle partly explains his hesitance to reintegrate Jude Bellingham, who, like Foden, was absent from the October international matches.

As Tuchel strategizes for World Cup success, a challenge remains in integrating Foden, Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane, and others into a cohesive unit. Former England manager Gareth Southgate faced a similar dilemma prior to Euro 2024. Despite being named the Premier League’s best player shortly before, Foden found himself relegated to the left wing, creating a perception of being sidelined.

With the World Cup presenting England’s next opportunity to end a 60-year trophy drought, Foden’s performance against Dortmund serves as a timely signal to Tuchel of his deserving place in the squad.