Phil Foden in Irresistible Form: Why England Cannot Ignore Him Anymore
Phil Foden is playing the best football of his career – and the timing could not be more perfect. With England’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania just days away on 14 and 17 November 2025, the Manchester City magician has delivered a thunderous reminder of his world-class ability. Two exquisite goals in the 4-1 Champions League demolition of Borussia Dortmund have reignited the nationwide debate: does Phil Foden deserve an immediate England recall? The answer, from fans, pundits and even Pep Guardiola himself, is a resounding yes.
Key Points
- Foden has 7 goals and 5 assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season – his best-ever start.
- He is back to his explosive best after a difficult 2024-25 campaign blighted by injury and off-field issues.
- Thomas Tuchel names his squad on Thursday 7 November – Foden’s dazzling midweek display makes omission almost unthinkable.
- Guardiola: “Everyone in the world knows his quality.”
A Star Reborn at the Etihad
For much of the past 18 months, Phil Foden has carried the weight of expectation mixed with frustration. A groin injury ruled him out of England’s September and October camps, while personal matters and a rare dip in confidence saw him lose his usual sparkle. Manchester City still won silverware, but Foden’s spark felt dimmer than usual.
Fast-forward to November 2025 and the 25-year-old Stockport Iniesta is unrecognisable. Freed from the long shadows of Kevin De Bruyne (who departed in summer 2025) and supported by new arrivals Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki once they returned from injury, Foden has seized complete ownership of the No.10 role. The statistics speak for themselves:
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 11 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Champions League | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Carabao Cup + FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 18 | 7 | 5 | 12 |
That is a goal involvement every 112 minutes – elite numbers for any attacking midfielder on the planet.
The Dortmund Masterclass That Changed Everything
Wednesday 5 November 2025 will be remembered as the night Foden stole the show from Erling Haaland. With the Norwegian drawing the usual double-coverage, Foden ghosted into the pocket in front of Dortmund’s backline time and again. His two goals – a delicate chip over the goalkeeper and a venomous low drive – were pure Foden: vision, technique, and ice-cold composure.
Post-match, the England star radiated happiness. “I’m just enjoying my football again,” he told TNT Sports. “Last season was tough for everyone at the club, but we’re smiling now. When you play with freedom, the ball does the talking.”
Pep Guardiola was even more effusive: “Phil is already back to his very best – he doesn’t need to get closer, he is there. How many times have we seen those goals from him? The generosity in his effort and the quality in the final third… we missed it so much.”
England’s Midfield Puzzle – Where Does Foden Fit?
Thomas Tuchel inherits an embarrassment of riches. Jude Bellingham is expected to return from shoulder surgery, Cole Palmer continues to dazzle at Chelsea, Morgan Rogers has exploded at Aston Villa, and Anthony Gordon offers electric pace on the flanks. Yet none of them combine Foden’s unique cocktail of Premier League provenness, big-game experience, and tactical intelligence.
Guardiola himself highlighted the challenge: “Thomas Tuchel is so smart. He knows exactly what England needs, and he knows Phil perfectly. But England are blessed with so many talented players in these positions. That is why Phil has to keep pushing – and when he gets the call, he will show exactly how good he is.”
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown went further on BBC Radio 5 Live: “We have to pick the real Phil Foden right now. This is the mature version who stays cool in tight spaces and makes the difference. He has to be in the squad – no debate.”
Tactical Genius That Tuchel Cannot Ignore
Match of the Day analyst Leon Osman broke down exactly why Foden is undroppable. “Dortmund allowed City to pass into the half-space all night. Every single time, it was Foden who arrived first. His movement drags defenders out of position, creates overloads, and opens corridors for Haaland and the wide players. England need that exact profile against low-block defences in World Cup qualifiers.”
At 25, Foden already has 45 caps, a Premier League Player of the Season award (2023-24), and a Euro 2024 runners-up medal. His ability to play as a false 9, a drifting No.10, or even tucked in from the left makes him the ultimate squad luxury – the kind of versatile match-winner every international manager dreams of.
The Clock is Ticking
Thomas Tuchel will name his squad at 2pm GMT on Thursday 7 November. Anything other than Phil Foden’s name on the list would spark outrage across English football. The player himself is ready. The form is undeniable. The nation is watching.
Phil Foden is not just knocking on the England door – he has kicked it off its hinges.
