Could Phil Foden Be Left Off England's 2026 World Cup Roster?

Pep Guardiola has told Phil Foden to just relax amid his latest slump in form, but that is easier said than done, given his place in the Manchester City lineup is less certain than ever while his status in the England squad also at risk. Foden appeared to have put last season's struggles behind him towards the end of 2025, but he now appears to be suffering another dip at the worst possible time.

Foden was only named on the City bench for three recent Premier League games in a row. In the second of those games, he was brought on for just two minutes when City while chasing a winner at Tottenham. For the thrilling comeback victory at Liverpool, he didn't even make it onto the pitch.

Fears of Foden's decline were eased somewhat when he provided his first goal contribution in 14 appearances against Fulham, but they returned as he flattered to deceive in City's labored win over League Two Salford City in Saturday's FA Cup clash.

That should have been the perfect opportunity for Foden to show that he was indeed back on the road to recovery, but rather it seems like the performance against Fulham was the exception that proved the rule that he is stuck in another rut.

Foden was the second-most experienced City player on the pitch against Salford after John Stones, but he did not look it as he failed to put his stamp on the game, firing three shots at goal which all missed the target.

With City nervously standing over a one-goal lead against a team they had slaughtered 8-0 little more than a year ago, Guardiola chose to remove Foden in search of a boost. His replacement, Antoine Semenyo, provided it, helping City turn the screw and eventually get the second goal to book their place in the fifth round.

Guardiola must have known