Phil Foden Stats Suggest Man City Ace Deserves England Recall as Pep Guardiola Backs Thomas Tuchel to “Do the Right Thing”

Phil Foden showed England manager Thomas Tuchel what he has been missing with a dominant display for Manchester City in Wednesday’s 4-1 thrashing of Borussia Dortmund.

Foden has 45 senior international caps to his name but has not played for the Three Lions since March. He sat out the June internationals to work on physical and mental health issues, before being overlooked by Tuchel when he named his last two squads in September and October.

Tuchel will name his latest England squad — for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania — on Friday, with many fans adamant that Foden should be recalled.

Phil Foden stars as Man City thrash Dortmund

Phil Foden was the official UEFA Player of the Match after scoring twice in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.

It was a complete attacking performance from the 25-year-old, who made 71 touches, attempted 51 passes and completed 46 of them. Foden was heavily involved throughout, creating three key chances and finishing with an expected assist value of 0.42.

He also had more shots on target than any other City player, with four efforts, all of which tested the goalkeeper. Prolific record-breaker Erling Haaland, who scored City’s second goal, also had four shots but only three on target.

Foden completed both of his dribbles and made five recoveries, underlining his influence in and out of possession.

The brace was Foden’s first in the Champions League and a timely reminder of his quality ahead of England’s upcoming squad announcement.

Foden played in the No 10 role against Dortmund, but he also has the ability to operate as a false 9 for Guardiola if and when Haaland is unavailable to lead the line.

Phil Foden reaches 20 Champions League goals

After scoring twice against Dortmund, Phil Foden now has 20 Champions League goals to his name in 64 appearances.

Foden now has the same number of Champions League goals as Gareth Bale, who netted 20 in 66 matches for Tottenham and Real Madrid.

Phil Foden among Premier League’s top creators this season

Wednesday’s two goals against Dortmund came just three days after Phil Foden had assisted Manchester City’s third goal in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Foden has been among the most creative players in the Premier League this season, playing 20 key passes (a pass that directly leads to a teammate having a shot on goal).

Only Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo and Everton playmaker Jack Grealish, who has not played for England since October 2024, have made more key passes in the Premier League this season — and all have played more games than Foden.

Most key passes in the Premier League this season

1. Bruno Fernandes (Man United) — 28 in 10 games (2.8 per game)
2. Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) — 21 in 10 games (2.10 per game)
3. Jack Grealish (Everton) — 21 in nine games (2.33 per game)
4. Phil Foden (Man City) — 20 in eight games (2.50 per game)
5. Jeremy Doku (Man City) — 20 in 10 games (2.00 per game)

Fans demand Thomas Tuchel recall Phil Foden to England squad

Phil Foden’s latest star performance for Manchester City sparked countless calls for him to be recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel.

One fan wrote on X: “I can’t believe this is open to debate. A fit and in-form Foden is much more important than half of Thomas Tuchel’s squad. They have to recall him.”

Another fan tweeted: “What a performance by Phil Foden! That brace against Dortmund was pure class, and it’s amazing to see him back to his best. Pep’s confidence in him is paying off, and those goals are a timely reminder for Tuchel ahead of the England squad announcement.”

A message from a third fan read: “How is Tuchel not picking Foden for England? Best attacking midfielder we’ve got and arguably one of the best we have ever produced.”

Meanwhile, former Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin told Sky Sports News on Thursday morning: “When he’s at his best, I don’t think anyone can get near him.”

What has Pep Guardiola said about Phil Foden’s hopes of an England recall?

Pep Guardiola said that “no one in the world” could deny Phil Foden’s quality and urged Manchester City’s playmaker to push himself to be recalled by Thomas Tuchel for England after his two-goal display against Borussia Dortmund.

“There’s no person in this country, no one around the world, that doesn’t know his quality and ability,” the City manager said. “But England are so lucky to have a mountain of good players – in this position, there are a lot, and that’s why Phil has to push himself to be better and better. He has to say: ‘OK, I’m going to show how good I am.’ Thomas knows perfectly how good Phil is and I’m sure he will do the right thing for the country.”

Guardiola added that Foden has now returned to top form, saying “This season, he’s back, yeah. When Phil is at that level, when playing between the lines, in the pockets, his first contact, his turn – he’s very good – and after that his generosity, running and fighting. He’s a special player.”

England are said to have a 12.5% probability of winning the World Cup, while Spain are currently the outright favourites for the tournament. The World Cup draw will take place on December 5.