Phil Foden is not part of England's plans for the Nations League group decider against Spain, a stark contrast to his role in the 2024 European Championship final when he started the match and played in every game of the run to the final.
When Thomas Tuchel announced his squad for the November fixtures, Foden's name was not mentioned once. He missed out on a place in the World Cup squad, and despite showing signs of rediscovering his best form for Manchester City, he is still not in Enzo Maresca's first-choice XI.
Foden's Club Form
At 26, Foden should be in the prime of his career, but his chances of forcing his way back into the England set-up look distant. Maresca has spoken of his admiration for how Foden is training and working at City, but it has not translated into automatic starts.
The hat-trick against AEK Athens in the Champions League was a reminder of the forward's talent, and the highlights from his 2023-24 campaign would befit any player in world football. Foden is working to reach those heights again and believes this season can be a catalyst for a change in fortunes under Maresca, who did one-on-one training with the boyhood Blue during his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant in the treble-winning campaign.
Foden on His Omission
"It's one of them things in football," Foden said of his England omission when he sat down with reporters ahead of the Champions League tie with RB Leipzig. "Football's full of ups and downs and it's one of the things you can't control.
"You just have to keep trying your best on the football field, keep putting in performances. That's all we're trying to do really, is focus on your own game. Hopefully one day the call-up might come back."
He added: "Hopefully I can get back to that level. I think I'm starting to get back there now in my recent performances. I just hope I keep growing and keep getting better."
Maresca's Praise
Maresca has been positive in his praise of Foden since taking charge and reiterated that earlier this month. "I see Phil day by day better and better for sure, 100 per cent," he said. "I've already said many times that he is going to give us many things this season."
Foden will hope improvements at City level can lead to rewards for club and country, with the forward aiming to force his way back into the international set-up.
