Foden reports no Tuchel contact as he targets England return

Phil Foden says he has had no contact with Thomas Tuchel since the World Cup as he tries to regain his place in the England squad. According to the Guardian, the Manchester City attacker remains determined to return after being omitted from England's World Cup squad and their Nations League matches this season.

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The 26-year-old said Tuchel had not spoken to him about what the England manager wanted to see from him. With the next squad due to be announced on Friday, Foden offered no indication that a recall was imminent. Instead, he described continued strong performances for his club as the way to put himself back in contention.

Foden's season was interrupted by a red card after 23 minutes of City's 1-0 victory at Manchester United in September. The resulting three-match suspension, together with the timing of the international break, kept him out of action for more than a month. He said he used that period for family time, a holiday and work on aspects of his game, returning feeling sharper and refreshed.

His recent contribution includes a hat-trick against AEK Athens in City's previous Champions League match. Foden has four goals this season, placing him third among the club's scorers behind Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki. The Guardian reported that City have scored 36 times across all competitions, with Haaland contributing 13, seven more than Cherki.

City manager Enzo Maresca said the rest of the squad must contribute goals rather than depend on Haaland in every match. His comments followed Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Brighton, the first game this season in which City failed to score. Maresca stressed the importance of continuing to create opportunities while acknowledging the difference Haaland makes when he is on the pitch.

Foden's own benchmark remains the 27 goals he scored in 2023-24, his most productive season. Asked whether he could recover that level and provide more support for Haaland, he pointed to regular playing time, a positive outlook and finding the right positions. He said he felt he was moving closer to that standard, while leaving the timing of any England return unresolved.