MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Phil Foden of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

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Thomas Tuchel made a number of controversial decisions when picking his England squad for the 2026 World Cup, but Phil Foden’s omission wasn’t one of them. At least not to anyone who watched the attacking midfielder struggle for the duration of the 2025/26 season as a Manchester City player.

Foden hasn’t been the same player for a while now. The 25-year-old was the best player in the Premier League as he won the Player of the Season award in the 2023/24 season. Now, he is a shadow of his former self and has been little more than a peripheral figure at the Etihad Stadium over the last few months.

The summer off could be good for Foden. He could use this time to prepare for the 2026/27 season when he will have a new manager at club level following the departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City. Foden might be better off for not having a World Cup as an England player.

“The number of games that he’s been available for has dropped and, when he has been available, it has not been the version of Phil Foden we saw two years ago,” said Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango who believes Foden has been over-worked in recent seasons.

“Unfortunately, he is one of the victims of this crazy calendar that only makes sense for those pursuing commercial gain to the detriment of the quality of the spectacle and the protection of players, who should be football’s heritage. It's a very sad state of affairs if someone like Phil is not on the pitch because we love players who make us dream and who have pure talent.”

Next season will be a fresh start for Foden. He will have the opportunity to make a good impression on a new manager and while many of his peers who have been involved at the World Cup will return from the USA, Canada and Mexico in need of a break, Foden should be fresh and ready to go.

The Premier League is a much better place for Foden being in top form. It’s been a while since the attacking midfielder was able to play his best soccer and next season could be make or break for him in terms of ensuring he is a part of Manchester City’s plans for the long-term.

Guardiola is no longer at the Etihad Stadium to vouch for Foden, someone he brought through from City’s youth academy. The 25-year-old must rediscover his place in a team that is threatening to leave him behind. He must use this summer to give himself the best chance of recovery.