Tuchel Questions Foden’s World Cup Chance After England Struggles

England manager Thomas Tuchel has cast doubt on Phil Foden’s guaranteed place in the upcoming World Cup squad, following the Manchester City star’s continued struggle to replicate his club form on the international stage.

Foden, 25, appeared out of sorts in an unfamiliar central attacking role during England’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Japan on Tuesday, a match in which Harry Kane was absent. Despite a promising start to the season, Foden has also seen his playing time at Manchester City reduced recently under Pep Guardiola.

“He tried everything. I would say he was excellent in camp but, yeah, he struggles to show it on the pitch,” Tuchel commented. “Obviously he didn’t have a lot of minutes for City recently, then he came to camp with the brightest smile and was so good in training. And I thought he will just surprise us and will play with the same verve and excitement but he struggles to have the full impact.”

Foden has historically found it challenging to translate his dazzling club performances into consistent displays for the Three Lions, even during the run to the Euro 2024 final where he had just been named Premier League Player of the Year.

He now faces stiff competition for an attacking midfield slot in Tuchel’s squad from talents such as Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers.

When directly asked if he could afford to take a player who is struggling for form to the finals in North America, Tuchel unequivocally stated, “It’s not a guarantee that he will come.”

The defeat to Japan marks only Tuchel’s second loss in 12 games as England boss. However, over a year into his tenure, he is yet to secure a victory against a side ranked within FIFA’s top 20.

Following a 1-1 draw against Uruguay last week, the German manager acknowledged a “difficult March” but insisted it “will not define us,” maintaining confidence that England can end their major tournament drought stretching back to 1966.

“We will not let go of our dream, we will not let go of the question ‘why not?'” the former Chelsea boss affirmed. “Now the most important thing is that the players reintegrate with their clubs, have a good end of the season, and then we have them in pre-camp and prepare them properly and take steps from there.”