If you had asked Phil Foden at the start of this season whether he would prefer to be in Kansas on Saturday, June 13 with the England squad preparing for the World Cup, or ringside at the AO Arena for the Misfits Boxing fight card headlined by Tommy Fury versus Eddie Hall, the choice would have been straightforward. Unfortunately for Foden, a night out in Manchester was on the agenda this weekend.
The 26-year-old was pictured relaxing with his partner as the Three Lions get ready to take on Croatia next week, 4,210 miles away. Missing out on a World Cup is always a huge blow for any professional footballer.
But for Foden, it was a damning summary of what has been a difficult couple of seasons for the attacking midfielder. In 2024, Foden played a key role in England's run to the European Championship final. He was granted an extended break upon his return from Germany.
However, he was clearly jaded from the pressures and exertion of an international tournament. While he did well in January 2025, Foden was a long way off the player who scored 19 goals the previous season in the Premier League. What the England international needed after that season was a break.
Sadly, FIFA's quest to push players to ever greater limits meant Foden and his City teammates did not get that luxury. Instead, they flew to the USA for the Club World Cup, extending their campaign by approximately another month. Foden would do well at the tournament.
He scored three goals in four appearances but extra matches once again took their toll. This season was another tough one for City's boyhood fan.
Over December, Foden once again had a good goalscoring run but he did not score a single Premier League goal in 2026. This forced Pep Guardiola's hand and as we entered the business end of the campaign, the attacking midfielder was not first choice.
It would come as no surprise when Thomas Tuchel announced his final World Cup squad that Foden had not made the cut. It was a bitter blow for a player who has offered so much for club and country.
However, this summer could be a blessing in disguise for one of the Etihad Stadium's fan favourites. Having a summer off from the stresses and strains of football can only do Foden the world of good.
What was clear to anyone who watched Foden in the last two seasons is that he has become mentally fatigued. The point has been made a thousand times but it is worth repeating. These players are not robots.
Expecting every player to play to their top ability, without a clean break and off season, is unrealistic. Foden is one of the biggest casualties of the ever-increasing schedule.
Hopefully for his sake, this summer allows him a proper rest from football and the chance to go again next season with fresh impetus. City want to keep Foden beyond his current contract.
But, at the moment, a new deal has not been signed and Foden heads into the new season with just one more year left on his contract. With Enzo Maresca coming in soon, Foden wants to put his best foot forward with the new boss and a summer of relaxation could allow him to do just that.
