Phil Foden Sends Clear Message to England Boss Thomas Tuchel with Two-Goal Display:

In a resounding display at the Etihad Stadium, England hopeful Phil Foden delivered a strong statement to national team head coach Thomas Tuchel, scoring twice as Manchester City raced to a 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Foden’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time. After being overlooked by Tuchel so far this season, the City forward seized the moment to push his case for a recall to the England squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, despite England already having secured their spot in the tournament. City boss Pep Guardiola was quick to praise Foden’s resurgence: “He is back… He is a special player.” The 24-year-old found the net once in each half, both times with precision strikes swept low into the corner, taking his season tally to four and signalling that he is firmly back in form. In between Foden’s goals, star striker Erling Haaland added to his astonishing Champions League record by smashing home his 27th goal of the season – his 54th in just 52 Champions League matches – reinforcing his place among the elite. Dortmund pulled one back through Waldemar Anton, but substitute Rayan Cherki responded to restore City’s two-goal cushion. Guardiola acknowledged the fierce competition for places in England’s attacking ranks: “There’s no person in this country or around the world that doesn’t know his quality and ability, but England is so lucky to have this amount of good players.” He added: “In his position there are a lot, and that’s why he has to push himself to be better and better and better.” It was a clear hint that continued excellence is required for Foden to force his way back into the setup. Foden’s omission from England’s four games this season has been a source of debate. Players such as Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon have all been chosen instead, despite Foden being widely regarded as one of the most talented English players of his generation. Though trusted for some of Tuchel’s early games in charge, Foden’s spot isn’t secured—and his latest display may tilt things in his favour. Guardiola also reflected on Tuchel’s decision-making, saying: “Thomas is so smart and wise and knows exactly what the team needs. I think Thomas knows perfectly [about] Phil. What Phil wants to do is play better and better and better.” The message is clear: Foden needs to maintain this level if he is to make the cut. Meanwhile, news that Rodri didn’t even make the bench—following his hamstring injury in the recent match against Bournemouth—raises concern ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool. Guardiola confirmed the decision was precautionary, but the Spain international’s limited availability this season adds another subplot to City’s campaign. In sum, Phil Foden’s two-goal masterclass was both a timely resurgence and a pointed reminder to his national coach: he’s ready when called upon.

SPORT