MANCHESTER, England — England manager Thomas Tuchel is undoubtedly aware of Phil Foden’s immense talent. However, his recent performance during Manchester City’s 4-1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund served as a compelling reminder. As Tuchel prepares 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 more opportune moment. After missing the last three national team selections due to injury, mental fatigue, and a dip in form, the 25-year-old understands the urgency to secure his place on the flight to next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His display against Dortmund underscored why he deserves a spot on that plane. Tuchel has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, and there is a chance some high-profile players may not make the cut. However, Foden’s current form makes it hard to believe he could be among those left out. “Thomas is incredibly astute and understands precisely what the national team requires. He knows Phil very well,” stated City manager Pep Guardiola. “There isn’t a person in this country, or anywhere in the world, unaware of his quality and potential. “England is fortunate to have a plethora of exceptional players in this position, which necessitates Phil to continuously strive for improvement. When called upon by England, he must seize the opportunity to demonstrate his excellence.” Foden showcased his best attributes—agility, energy, and threat—in a central role against Dortmund, executing two remarkable goals to secure his inaugural UEFA Champions League brace. Guardiola noted that the team’s initial ten minutes were disjointed until Foden began to influence the game. In the first half, Foden received a seemingly innocuous pass from Tijjani Reijnders. Despite being surrounded by Dortmund’s defenders, he executed three deft touches to create space and finished with a precise left-footed shot into the corner. It was the type of goal that leaves defenders bewildered. His second goal was arguably even more impressive. Collecting another straightforward pass just outside the box, Foden navigated through three defenders, once again finding the net with a delicate finish. Ramy Bensebaini, the Dortmund defender, resorted to pushing Foden as he shot, but it was futile as the ball zipped past the goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel. By the time Bensebaini regained his balance, Foden was off to celebrate with his teammates. “We have witnessed countless goals of this nature from Phil over the years,” Guardiola remarked. “We missed his presence significantly last season and even at the start of this one. I am confident he will be a tremendous asset for us. His approach to scoring is not about power; it’s about precision, placing the ball close to the post. Phil excels at that. “This season, he is back. When he operates effectively in the spaces between lines, his impact is undeniable. He is a unique talent, and we certainly need his goals.” Foden has done his part to re-establish himself in the England squad; the ball is now in Tuchel’s court. Throughout his tenure, Tuchel has emphasized team cohesion over individual accolades, which has contributed to his cautious approach in recalling players like Jude Bellingham, who was also omitted from the October international matches. As Tuchel strategizes for World Cup success, he faces a conundrum in fitting together Foden, Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Harry Kane into one cohesive unit. This mirrors the challenges faced by former England manager Gareth Southgate before Euro 2024, where Foden, despite being named the Premier League’s best player weeks prior, found himself relegated to the left wing. The World Cup presents a vital opportunity for England to secure their first trophy in six decades. Foden’s performance against Dortmund serves as a crucial reminder to Tuchel of the necessity to include him in the squad.
