One of Phil Foden’s primary career goals would be to become a superstar for England in the same vein he has become for Manchester City since last season in particular.
The English media slammed Foden’s performance for England against Greece — as he continues to struggle at international level.
Paul Merson slated Foden’s displays for England at Euro 2024 — despite admitting that he is a “fan” of the 24-year-old’s game.
The Manchester City midfielder’s showings for the Three Lions have divided opinion from day one.
Jamie Carragher claimed Cole Palmer has usurped Foden for England as their best candidate in the number 10 position as well.
It was recently revealed that Declan Rice has outscored Foden in an England shirt — scoring five goals in comparison to the versatile attacker’s measly tally of four.
What Thomas Tuchel said about Phil Foden amid England manager links
On Tuesday, it has been reported that Thomas Tuchel has entered talks to become England’s next manager now.
The German has been out of work since his spell at Bayern Munich came to an end after the 2023/2024 season.
As Thomas Tuchel engages in conversations with the FA to potentially manage England, his praise towards Foden during his time at Chelsea in 2021 make for interesting reading.
Tuchel was quoted by Football.London journalist Adam Newson saying: “They [Phil Foden and Mason Mount] are examples of how good young players can be and how good young players from England can be. There are the outstanding examples at the moment. I can’t speak about Phil Foden as he’s not my player but you can see the ability and desire to decide the biggest games.”
“I have the impression he is a nice guy and has a clear character like Mason.”
“Mason is outstanding and he has the full package of being humble and full of talent. The national team can be very happy to arrive with these players because they are reliable at the highest level and they behave exactly how you want them to behave. They want to learn and be better and they don’t seem to feel the pressure, which is pretty amazing.”
During the European Championship, Juan Mata named Foden as England’s most “dangerous” player — emphasising how he is viewed by big names alongside Thomas Tuchel.
Wayne Rooney also claimed Foden is England’s best player — superior to the likes of Palmer and Jude Bellingham.
Tuchel can solve one Foden problem for England
One of the reasons why the six-time Premier League winner does not seem to play his best football at international level is due to the variety of positions he has played in.
Foden revealed the number 10 role is his best position last season — from where he managed to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
However, the treble-winner’s record of four goals and eight assists in 43 appearances for City, including friendlies for the Three Lions makes for grim reading for a player of his position.
The good news for Foden is that Thomas Tuchel could well replace Gareth Southgate as England’s long-term heir and he already seems to rate him highly.
Thomas Tuchel is one of the best managers in the world — and he has experience of working with other attacking midfielders like Jamal Musiala and Mason Mount in the past — who have also thrived under his regime.
One way in which Tuchel could get the best out of the Stockport-born midfielder is by finding a set position for him in the side — if he takes the job.
Here is a list of every position Foden has played in during his time as an England player.
| FODEN’S DIFFERENT ROLES FOR ENGLAND | NUMBER OF GAMES |
| ATTACKING MIDFIELD | 13 |
| CENTRAL MIDFIELD | 7 |
| LEFT-WINGER | 10 |
| RIGHT-WINGER | 12 |
| CENTRE-FORWARD | 1 |
Considering Tuchel described Foden as an “outstanding” player, if he becomes the next England manager, he would ideally like to find a home for him in his side.
Once the silky technician finds his feet by getting a run of games in a certain role, he could find his feet.
Foden should be excited by the prospect of the former Borussia Dortmund tactician.
