Thomas Tuchel has cast fresh doubt over Phil Foden’s place in England’s World Cup squad, admitting the midfielder has yet to translate training-ground promise into matchday impact.
Handed starts in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, the Manchester City winger failed to seize his opportunity. He was substituted before the hour mark in both outings after struggling to influence proceedings.
With Tuchel required to name his final 26-man squad by May 30, the message was unmistakably clear: nothing is guaranteed.
He’s tried everything, Tuchel said, pausing before delivering his verdict. He was excellent in camp, but he struggles to show it on the pitch.
Limited minutes at a club level have not helped Foden’s rhythm, despite arriving in camp full of confidence and energy. Tuchel had expected that spark to carry into matches, but it hasn’t. The situation has become more pressing given Foden’s prolonged drought for the Three Lions.
Deployed as a false nine in the defeat to Japan at Wembley, he endured a particularly quiet night, recording the fewest touches of any starter. He has now gone 22 games without a goal for the national team, a run stretching back to October 2022.
Tuchel’s attempt to use him as a stand-in for the injured Harry Kane offered little encouragement and only deepened the uncertainty.
Asked whether an out-of-form player could still make the plane, Tuchel was blunt:
I can, but the question is whether we will. It’s not a guarantee that he will come. We will not let go of our dream.
Despite the concerns, England remain among the favourites heading into the tournament. They open their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, before facing Ghana and Panama in the group stage.
Read Also: Tuchel omits TAA, but calls up 35-year-old keeper without single EPL minute this season