Foden 'not a guarantee' for World Cup squad - Tuchel

England manager Thomas Tuchel has warned that Phil Foden is not assured of a place in his final World Cup squad after the Manchester City attacker struggled to make an impact in the recent friendlies at Wembley. Speaking after the matches, Tuchel made it clear that every position remains up for grabs and that Foden must demonstrate greater consistency if he wishes to secure a seat on the plane to the tournament.

The 24-year-old, long heralded as one of English football’s brightest talents, was handed minutes in both encounters but failed to provide the creative spark or end product that the coaching staff had hoped to see. Tuchel, known for demanding high standards, emphasised that selection decisions will be based solely on form and tactical suitability rather than reputation or past achievements.

With the World Cup fast approaching, competition for places in the attacking third has intensified, and Tuchel’s comments underline that no player can consider themselves an automatic pick. Foden now faces a pivotal few weeks at club level to convince the England boss that he merits inclusion in the final 23.