In recent months, the process of selecting players for the England national team has been far from simple. Both Thomas Tuchel, who recently took over as England manager, and his predecessor Gareth Southgate, have been forced to navigate a wide range of issues when making squad choices. Factors such as fitness setbacks, player welfare, and the broader restructuring of the squad have all influenced which names make the cut for international duty.
One of the most delicate cases has been that of Manchester City’s star midfielder Phil Foden. Once considered a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions, Foden’s international journey took an unexpected turn last summer.
After a long and draining 2024/25 season, both on and off the pitch, he requested to be excluded from England’s squad in June in order to prioritize his mental health.
This marked a rare but significant step for the player, highlighting the importance of recovery beyond just physical fitness. Unfortunately, his return was delayed even further when fitness concerns arose at the beginning of City’s new campaign, keeping him sidelined from September’s international fixtures as well.
John Stones, Foden’s Manchester City teammate, has also dealt with his own share of obstacles. The experienced centre-back missed the last international window due to a poorly timed injury. His absence was especially noticeable given his role as one of England’s most dependable defenders.
Interestingly, this setback came during a period of speculation regarding his long-term future at City. Reports suggest that chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and manager Pep Guardiola are both eager to secure Stones on an extended contract, reflecting how highly the club values his leadership and versatility.
Despite these difficulties, new developments indicate a change in fortune for both players. According to reporting by Jeremy Cross of The Mirror, Phil Foden is now optimistic about making his England return under Tuchel’s management. The midfielder believes he has regained enough sharpness and mental balance to rejoin the squad ahead of the upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia.
For Foden, this would not only mark a professional step back into international football but also serve as an important personal milestone in his ongoing recovery journey.
John Stones, too, is expected to receive a call-up. Having withdrawn from the previous squad due to injury, he is now fit enough to make a return. What makes his situation particularly intriguing is the possibility that Tuchel could deploy him in a defensive midfield role, highlighting the manager’s willingness to explore Stones’ adaptability beyond his traditional centre-back position.
From Manchester City’s perspective, however, there will be cautious optimism. Guardiola and his staff must carefully monitor Stones’ playing time given his recurring injury issues over the past two years.
Similarly, Foden’s workload will need to be managed so he can rebuild confidence without risking further setbacks. Both players are essential to City’s ambitions in the Premier League and Champions League this season, making their form and fitness a top priority.
Ultimately, Tuchel’s decisions regarding Foden and Stones could prove significant not only for England’s short-term results but also for City’s campaign across multiple competitions. For fans, seeing the two players back in the national setup will be both exciting and reassuring after a turbulent period of absences.
