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Foden's standout performance propels City past Dortmund in Champions League
Phil Foden delivered a masterclass at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, scoring twice in Manchester City's 4-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund-a display that underscored his return to peak form and staked his claim for an England recall ahead of next week's World Cup qualifiers.
The 25-year-old, who endured a turbulent 2024-25 season marred by injury and off-field challenges, has now tallied four goals and three assists in 13 appearances this term. His brace against Dortmund-both struck from outside the box-highlighted the creativity and clinical finishing that earned him Player of the Season honors last year, when City secured a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
From setbacks to spotlight: Foden's redemption arc
Foden's struggles last season extended beyond the pitch. A rare trophy-less campaign for City coincided with his personal battles, including fitness issues that limited his impact. Yet under Pep Guardiola this term, he has re-emerged as a linchpin in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, who departed in the summer, and amid injuries to summer signings Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki.
His resurgence has dovetailed with City's upturn in form. After a shaky start, Guardiola's side has lost just once in its last 13 matches across all competitions-a run in which Foden has featured 12 times. "There is a new togetherness this season," he told TNT Sports post-match. "Dortmund are a top side, but we executed our game plan and broke them down with our quality."
"I'm loving it. I just need to play with a smile on my face, which I'm doing. Last year was tough-not just for me, but for everyone."
Phil Foden, to TNT Sports
Guardiola's endorsement and England's dilemma
Guardiola, never one to mince words, dismissed any notion that Foden remains short of his best. "He is already there," the City manager declared. "We've missed his goals, his generosity in the final third. Tonight, he showed why he's one of the best in the world."
Yet Foden's path back into Thomas Tuchel's England squad is fraught with competition. Jude Bellingham, recovering from a shoulder injury, and Morgan Rogers are vying for the same attacking midfield role-a position Guardiola insists is where Foden "feels happiest." With 45 international caps to his name and a pivotal role in England's Euro 2024 final run, his omission from recent squads has raised eyebrows.
"Thomas [Tuchel] knows Phil perfectly. England are lucky to have so many options, but Phil must keep pushing. When he gets the call, he'll show what he can do."
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager
Former England midfielder Michael Brown left no room for doubt in his assessment: "We've got to have Foden in the squad. He's mature, cool under pressure, and at his best, he's a game-changer." Brown's sentiments echoed those of pundits who marveled at Foden's ability to exploit pockets of space behind Dortmund's defense-a tactical edge City exploited ruthlessly.
Tactical brilliance and a statement performance
Analysts pointed to Dortmund's defensive setup as a key factor in Foden's influence. With City's wingers pinning back Dortmund's full-backs, the German side's five-man defense left gaps in midfield-spaces Foden and Tijjani Reijnders exploited repeatedly. "Dortmund let City play into that pocket all night," noted ex-Everton midfielder Leon Osman on Match of the Day: UEFA Champions League. "Foden's movement was too clever for them."
His first goal arrived via a surging run into the half-space, while his second-a curled effort from 20 yards-showcased the long-range prowess that has yielded 11 such strikes since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League player. "How many times have we seen that from Phil?" Guardiola mused. "The quality in the final third-we've missed it."
What's next: England recall and World Cup ambitions
Tuchel will unveil his squad for the qualifiers against Serbia (13 November) and Albania (16 November) on Friday. Foden's exclusion would fuel concerns over his chances of featuring in the 2026 World Cup, particularly with emerging talents like Rogers nipping at his heels. Yet his club form-coupled with Guardiola's glowing endorsement-has reignited the debate over his international future.
For now, Foden's focus remains on sustaining his momentum. "I had to get myself mentally right after last season," he admitted. With City's season gathering pace and England's squad announcement looming, his performance against Dortmund may well have arrived at the perfect time.
