Phil Foden deputized for Harry Kane in England’s defeat to Japan, but his struggles in that game, and more broadly, could make him a big World Cup casualty for the Three Lions.
Foden struggled in England’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a brutal warning to Phil Foden during the World Cup. Tuchel admitted Foden was “not guaranteed” to be in the England squad as he clearly “struggling” on the pitch.
Manchester City forward Foden is in serious danger of becoming this summer’s biggest casualty due to his lack of form for both club and country.
Foden, 25, who has won 49 caps, started England’s last Wembley warm-up friendly against Uruguay and Japan, but was substituted before the hour in both games.
England manager Tuchel insisted Foden had been excellent in training and camp, but admitted he had not lived up to expectations on the pitch.
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“He’s tried everything. You could say he’s been great in camp, but yeah, he’s struggled to show that on the pitch. Obviously he hasn’t had a lot of minutes at City lately,” Tuchel said.
“Then he came to camp with the biggest smile on his face and was really good in training. We thought he would just surprise us and play with the same enthusiasm and excitement, but yeah, he’s struggling to make enough of an impact.”
Tuchel was then asked if he could actually take players who are struggling on the pitch to the World Cup. “We can, we can! The question is whether we will do it or not,” admitted Tuchel.
This clearly casts big doubt on Foden’s call-up, with manager Tuchel admitting: “Well, there’s no guarantee he’ll come.”
Foden played his final season at Euro 2024 but was unable to perform at his best and has struggled with form and fitness ever since.
This season he has appeared in 26 Premier League games for City (including five substitute appearances), scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
Foden’s position on the plane is at risk (Image: Getty Images)
But Foden is no longer guaranteed to be a starter at City and faces strong competition for the No. 10 spot on the England squad, including Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rodgers and Cole Palmer. Eberechi Eze is also a perfect fit for the role.
It seems certain that Tuchel will have to keep at least one big name at home this summer, but it increasingly looks like Foden is most at risk.
However, Tuchel insisted that he learned valuable lessons from the two friendlies, even if they did not win either and lost to Japan.
Tuchel added: “I’m always learning. I’m learning from every training session, I’m learning from how the team is together, I’m learning from how the players react and adapt to the game plan.”
“How quickly they learn, how quickly they can adapt and how they can put that on the pitch. It’s all about learning.”
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