Pep Guardiola has expressed confidence that Phil Foden will soon return to the England national team following his omission from the latest squad. This announcement came ahead of England’s upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia, where several prominent players, including Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish, were also left out.
Phil Foden’s Recent Performance
Foden, a 25-year-old Manchester City midfielder, has shown marked improvement this season after struggling last year. He has achieved two goals and two assists in seven appearances so far.
Guardiola’s Support for Foden
- Guardiola believes that Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, has the best understanding of his squad’s needs.
- He remarked that Foden’s current form demonstrates that he deserves another chance with the national team.
- Guardiola looks forward to players contributing to their national teams but emphasizes the importance of their health upon return.
Foden is anticipated to play a key role in the upcoming match against Brentford, where he has a notable record of six goals in just four appearances. Guardiola highlighted Foden’s exceptional ability in tight situations within the attacking third, which was sorely missed last season.
Team Context and Recent Matches
Manchester City recently faced a challenging match against Monaco, ending in a 2-2 draw. Although Erling Haaland scored twice, the team failed to secure a win, which frustrated both the players and the manager.
Guardiola’s Reaction to the Draw
- Guardiola appreciated Haaland’s intense response after the match, noting it reflects strong leadership within the team.
- He prefers to keep his feelings about team performance private, sharing them only in a more intimate setting with his players.
Guardiola’s Personal Interests
Outside of football, Guardiola was captivated by the recent Ryder Cup, where Europe triumphed over the United States. He praised Luke Donald’s team for their remarkable performance, particularly in a challenging environment like New York.
Guardiola enthusiastically expressed his desire to invite Ryder Cup players to Manchester City, hoping to gain insights from their experiences.
Concluding Thoughts
The upcoming matches will be crucial for Foden and the England team, as they aim to incorporate their top talents back into the squad. Pep Guardiola continues to back his players as they strive for both club and national success.
