Phil Foden: Rooney Questions City Role & World Cup Chances

Phil Foden’s recent lack of playing time at Manchester City has prompted questions about his role in the England national team ahead of this summer’s World Cup, with former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney expressing concern over the situation.

Foden, who has 18 trophies to his name since breaking into City’s first team, was included in Thomas Tuchel’s expanded 35-player England squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. However, Rooney questioned the limited opportunities Foden has been given by City manager Pep Guardiola, particularly in crucial matches.

Speaking on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said he “felt sad” for Foden, not because of a cup final appearance, but because of a recent game where he didn’t even feature. “There was a game a few days ago when he didn’t even secure on the pitch. If that was Max Dowman coming on at the end, you would suppose good experience. But to witness Phil Foden coming on in a cup final, it felt like a charity sub to get him on the pitch,” Rooney stated.

Rooney continued, expressing confusion over Foden’s diminished role despite what he perceives as good form. “I don’t know what has happened, he is a top player. It feels strange he can’t get anywhere near the team. It feels like something has gone on there,” he said. “I thought Foden was in good form but all of a sudden we haven’t seen him get any minutes.”

While acknowledging Foden’s satisfaction with City’s recent cup win, Rooney emphasized the player’s desire for more significant involvement. “Firstly he will be pleased they won the cup but from a selfish point of view, he would have wanted to be out there and having an influence. That will be a tough one for him.”

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Foden failed to come off the bench in the recent Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid, where City suffered a 5-1 aggregate defeat. Tuchel will demand to assess Foden’s form and match fitness as he prepares his squad for the upcoming international friendlies and, the World Cup this summer.

Five Manchester City players were selected for the latest England squad, according to Manchester City FC, but the extent to which Foden will feature remains uncertain.