Phil Foden (foto: Getty Images)
Phil Foden has asked to skip England’s upcoming fixtures to focus on his mental health and injury recovery. The Man City star called his 2024–25 season “frustrating” and emotionally draining.
The Manchester City star opened up about what he called a “frustrating season,” revealing that both personal issues and a lingering ankle injury have impacted his performances in 2024–25. Foden, 24, has scored just 10 goals in 44 appearances this term—well below the standard that earned him PFA Player of the Year and Football Writers' Player of the Year last season.
“It’s been a frustrating season for me. I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally,” said Foden. “Sometimes there’s things in life that are bigger than football.”
Foden picked up a serious ankle injury during the Manchester derby in April but has continued to play through the pain. He now believes a full rest period is essential to regain peak condition, both mentally and physically.
“I just need a few weeks off, without playing football… It’s frustrating to play with niggles like this,” he added. “A lot of people don’t know what football players go through. I’ve had a lot of ankle pain over the last couple of months.”
England are set to face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7 in Barcelona, followed by a home friendly against Senegal at the City Ground on June 10. Tuchel will name his squad on Friday, but Foden will not be included following his request to step away for recovery.
Manchester City are said to be fully supportive of Foden’s decision, as he looks to return refreshed and refocused for the new campaign. The midfielder remains a key figure for both club and country, but acknowledges that health must come first.