'Won't be playing' Man City star Phil Foden given bruising reality check - Iqraa news

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

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Thomas Tuchel was critical of Manchester City star Phil Foden after his first game as England boss.

Tuchel has taken over from Gareth Southgate in charge of the national team, and before taking on Albania he brutally took apart the approach that had been taken by his predecessor at the Euros last summer. That will have chimed with Foden, who told the Manchester Evening News earlier this year about his difficulty in being played out wide on the left.

Foden was selected by Tuchel for Friday's game at Wembley and was used on the right wing - a position he is more familiar and happy with - yet he was unable to impress the new boss.

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After the match, the England coach spoke about needing more from both Foden and left-winger Marcus Rashford after they failed to live up to what they had produced in training.

“We will encourage him to do what he does best, to go at defenders, to go into dribbles,” he said. “Both our wingers who started were not as impactful as they can be in club football. I’m not so sure why we struggled to bring the ball quickly to them.

“We lacked runs off the ball. It was a little bit too much passing, not enough dribbling, not aggressive enough towards goal. They trained very well, they were decisive in training.

"That’s why I also think they deserved [to start], they were very good in the last weeks with their clubs. We will keep on encouraging them.

“We hope for more impact in these positions. “More dribbling and more aggressive runs towards the box.

"In general that was missing. The chances come from the little runs behind the line. They were not as decisive as they can be.”

Foden's performance was picked apart by the ITV punditry team, with former United midfielder Roy Keane brutal on Foden's desire to play in his best position.

"I think he might be lacking in confidence. He's definitely off it. His club form isn't great," he said. "We know he's got that quality but usually when Foden is at his best you're sitting there thinking something is going to happen - even when he cuts in he can pick a pass out or get a shot away.

"He did none of that tonight and every time he gets the ball now you're looking at him going I don't expect anything from Foden at the moment.

"Wherever he's playing you affect the game and he didn't do that tonight. Foden won't have that problem coming up about where he's playing because he won't be playing."

England take on Latvia on Monday in their second qualifier before Foden will return to City as Pep Guardiola's side look to finish a difficult season on a high.

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