Phil Foden Finally Gets His Wish at Man City: ‘We Talked Already’

Phil Foden’s return to the England squad comes with more than just redemption — it comes with opportunity. The Manchester City playmaker, back in scintillating form, has not only earned his place under Thomas Tuchel but could finally be handed the central role he has long desired for the Three Lions.

Phil Foden’s brilliance this season has been one of the defining stories of the Premier League. His elegant double against Borussia Dortmund in midweek served as another reminder of his immense quality when operating at full confidence. Those goals made his recall almost inevitable after being left out of England’s October squad. Now, with two World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania on the horizon, the 24-year-old will have the chance to stake his claim for a key spot ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Perhaps most significantly, Tuchel appears ready to unleash Foden where he is most dangerous — in the middle of the pitch. “I think where Phil has been playing lately for Manchester City is where he’s strongest,” Tuchel said after announcing his latest squad. “He’s at his best when he’s close to the opponent’s box — a mix between a nine and a ten.

“For me, Phil scores and assists more from that area, on the half-turn, finding space in pockets. I don’t see him as a winger anymore. His strengths come from being central, being close to goal, and being decisive.”

That assessment reflects Foden’s evolution under Pep Guardiola. Virtually all of his football this season has come in a central role just behind Erling Haaland, where his quick feet, vision, and movement have flourished. When paired with Bernardo Silva, it’s now the Portuguese midfielder who drifts wide while Foden occupies the central channel.

Phil Foden’s shift inside has seen him take on the creative responsibilities once shouldered by Kevin De Bruyne during the Belgian’s injury absences, further cementing his influence on City’s title-winning campaign last term.

However, earning the same trust at international level won’t be straightforward. Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are also competing for the No. 10 position, while Tuchel must still find the right balance between England’s wealth of attacking talent.

Yet for Foden, the message is clear — his England future lies through the middle, where he finally has the chance to prove he can be as influential for his country as he is for his club.