Phil Foden, the forgotten Manchester City star, may have found the perfect cure for his form slump: a summer away from the spotlight. The 26-year-old playmaker was omitted from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, a decision that has drawn little criticism as Jude Bellingham has led the Three Lions to the semi-finals.
Foden's Absence Goes Unnoticed
Aside from some debate around England's group stage matches against Ghana and Panama, Foden and Chelsea's Cole Palmer have barely been mentioned. Bellingham's rise has overshadowed their absence, leaving Foden to watch the tournament from afar.
For a player who has lived with immense expectation since his teenage years, being forgotten could be a blessing. City thought they had Foden back to his best last season after a dazzling first half, but his form disappeared around January, costing him a place in the City team and his England spot.
A Rare Break from Football
Even if Tuchel had included him, Foden would have seen little playing time given his current form. After months of struggling at the Etihad without improvement, a full break from football appears the better option.
Foden has used his summer off to attend Wimbledon, watch F1 at Silverstone, go fishing, and enjoy a family holiday. His closest brush with the World Cup was watching England matches at his local pub.
Can the Rest Spark a Revival?
It remains unclear whether this break can spark Foden back into form, but space and time away from the spotlight are rare commodities for him. Being kept out of England conversations this summer can only help clear his mind.
Foden has kept his fitness up and will be one of the first to report for training at the City Football Academy next week under new manager Enzo Maresca. While the world may celebrate an historic England win in the final, Foden knows the challenge he must overcome this season.
Away from attention, Foden can now show what his rest has done for him as he aims to return to being one of City's most important players.
