PHIL FODEN SAYS HE IS REDISCOVERING FORM AFTER WORLD CUP OMISSION

Phil Foden says he is rediscovering his best form for Manchester City after missing out on Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder served a suspension for a red card in the Manchester derby, then scored his first Premier League goal against Ipswich Town. He followed that with a hat-trick and an assist in a 5-1 Champions League win over AEK Athens. "The break did me good. I came back fresh-minded and sharp," Foden told reporters on Tuesday. He said scoring goals had boosted his confidence and helped him settle into a rhythm.

Foden rose through City's academy under Pep Guardiola to become one of the Premier League's leading players, but has said burnout affected his form over the following two seasons. He started just three of the club's last 15 Premier League games before the end of last season. He played no minutes in the FA Cup final or either Champions League knockout tie against Real Madrid. Foden has said it was difficult to miss out on England's World Cup squad, recalling how it hurt to hear the national anthem while watching matches from home.

During the 2023-24 season, Foden scored 27 goals across all competitions and was named both Premier League Player of the Season and PFA Player of the Year. "Hopefully I can get back to that level. I think I'm slightly starting to get back there now with my recent performances," he said. In a tense interview with reporters in Hong Kong in July, Foden said he did not believe he needed to change his game. He confirmed he has not spoken to Tuchel since his omission from the World Cup squad.