Foden could ask to be left off Tuchel's latest England squad because of mental and physical struggles
Manchester City attacker Phil Foden wants to take some time off to recover from the mental and physical strain he has been dealing with.
The 24-year-old could ask to be left off Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad as the Three Lions prepare to take on Andorra in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and Senegal in a friendly in June.
Foden was the PFA Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season last term, but has grossly underperformed for Man City this season. He might need some time away to recover.
Foden said (via The Mirror): 'It's been a frustrating season for me. I have had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. It is one of them.
'Sometimes, there's things in life that are bigger than football. This season, I have struggled a little bit.
'Hopefully, come next year, I can get my head mentally right and get back where I left off the season before, because I know what I am capable of doing and the quality I have.
'Obviously, it is a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner.
'It is something we have to speak about with the club and national team to see if it is better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent back, how I want it.'
Foden's honesty about his struggles is commendable, and time away is the right move for his well-being, but his England career could be slipping away.
For all his talent, Foden has not delivered on the international stage. His England performances do not have the same spark he shows in a Manchester City shirt.
The Stockport-born star had two unremarkable showings in the last internationals in March. This absence (even if justified) opens the door for a host of hungry contenders.
Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Marcus Rashford are all challenging for his starting berth.
The competition for places is relentless. England's attacking midfield and wide roles are arguably more stacked now than they have ever been.
A few weeks off might help him reset, but it could also prove costly. Foden's spot is no longer guaranteed.
He will return, no doubt, but whether that return is to a starting XI shirt or a spot on the bench remains to be seen.
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