Why Phil Foden is not playing for England this weekend as Three Lions frustrations continue
Phil Foden will be frustrated by the continued stop-start nature of his England career as the new era gets underway without him.
The reigning PFA Player of the Year has struggled to transfer his dazzling Manchester City form onto the international stage
After a stunning individual campaign, the 24-year-old was expected to lead England’s charge for Euro 2024 glory this summer.
Foden chipped in with 19 top-flight goals and eight assists to help the Citizens claim a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.
However, despite starting all seven of England’s games at the Euros, Foden failed to register a goal or assist as the Three Lions fell to a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final.
It continued a wider issue the playmaker has had between club and country, with just four goals in total from his 41 senior caps to date.
Half of that haul came two months after his Three Lions debut in 2020, having only found the net at a major tournament once, and he’s since endured a 14-game drought for his country since scoring in a 3-1 friendly win over Scotland in September 2023.
Why is Foden not playing for England?
The forward was one of three players to withdraw from Carsley’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Foden’s struggles with illness has hampered his availability for Man City this season, and he was unable to report to St George’s Park.
“Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden will play no part in England’s forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures,” an FA statement read.
“The Three Lions squad reported to St George’s Park on Tuesday but, following assessment, both Palmer and Watkins returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues.
“Foden did not report through illness and is ruled out of the matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland.”
Foden appeared set to move within seven appearances of a 50th England cap in the double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
However, he has played just 45 minutes this season – which came as a substitute in City’s 2-0 win over Chelsea in the club’s opening fixture.
Speaking after their 3-1 victory against West Ham, manager Pep Guardiola said: “He doesn’t feel good.
“It’s his stomach, a little virus. But the people said with antibiotics and so on he will be fine.”Foden instead will be watching the Three Lions from home.
