Thomas Tuchel has reportedly sent a strong message to Phil Foden, making it clear that the Manchester City star will have to improve his performances before he can expect another England call-up.
Foden has been one of the most talented English footballers of his generation, but his position within the England setup has become increasingly uncertain under Tuchel. The England manager has demonstrated that reputation alone will not guarantee a place in his squad, and Foden now appears to be facing another major test in his international career.
Tuchel has consistently emphasized the importance of current form, tactical suitability and performances in training and matches when selecting his England squads. That approach has already seen several established players dropped or overlooked, and Foden has become one of the biggest names affected by the manager’s selection policy.
The situation is particularly significant because Foden was once considered one of the first names on the England teamsheet. He enjoyed a remarkable period with Manchester City and developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players. His technical ability, close control, passing, movement and ability to score from midfield made him a key figure for both club and country.
However, Tuchel has made it clear that previous achievements cannot protect a player from competition.
Foden was notably left out of England’s 2026 World Cup squad after failing to convince Tuchel that he was producing enough on the pitch. At the time, Tuchel explained that Foden had been excellent in training but struggled to transfer that level into matches. The England boss also questioned whether Foden was getting enough minutes and influence at club level.
That decision sent a powerful message to the entire England squad.
Tuchel was effectively telling every player that selection would be based on what they were doing now rather than what they had achieved in the past.
Foden’s situation has continued to attract attention as England move into a new era following the World Cup. The Manchester City star was again absent from Tuchel’s latest squad, with England instead selecting a number of attacking players who have impressed with their clubs and in previous international camps.
The current England squad includes players such as Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers and Rio Ngumoha, giving Tuchel several different attacking options.
That competition makes Foden’s road back even more difficult.
Tuchel is not short of attacking talent, meaning Foden cannot simply wait for another opportunity. He has to force the manager into selecting him.
The England manager’s approach has already been visible in his treatment of other established stars. Tuchel has shown that he is willing to give younger or less established players opportunities when they demonstrate the qualities he wants.
Alex Scott, for example, has impressed Tuchel enough to earn serious consideration in midfield. After Scott’s excellent performance against Croatia, Tuchel even suggested that the Bournemouth midfielder could challenge established players for a starting position.
That philosophy means Foden faces the same challenge as everyone else.
If another player is performing better, Tuchel appears prepared to select that player regardless of reputation.
For Foden, the solution is therefore straightforward but demanding: improve.
The Manchester City midfielder needs to rediscover the consistency and attacking influence that previously made him one of the most exciting players in English football.
There is no question about his natural talent. Foden possesses the technical qualities required to play at the highest level. The issue is whether he can consistently demonstrate those qualities in competitive matches and convince Tuchel that he can make a major difference to England.
One of the most interesting aspects of Tuchel’s thinking is his view of Foden’s best position.
Rather than seeing him primarily as a winger, Tuchel has previously explained that he believes Foden is most effective in a central attacking role, particularly close to the opposition penalty area. Tuchel has described Foden as someone capable of operating between the roles of a No. 9 and No. 10, where his movement, finishing and ability to combine with teammates can become more dangerous.
That could provide Foden with a clear route back into the England team.
If he can establish himself consistently in a central attacking position at Manchester City, score goals, create chances and influence important matches, it could become increasingly difficult for Tuchel to ignore him.
But until that happens, the competition for places will remain fierce.
England’s recent performances have also increased the pressure on players trying to break into the team. Tuchel has created an environment in which established players are constantly being challenged by younger alternatives.
The message is simple: nobody’s place is guaranteed.
For Foden, this means that returning to England’s squad will require more than a few impressive moments. He will need a sustained run of strong performances.
Tuchel is believed to want players who arrive in camp already in excellent form rather than players who require the international environment to regain confidence or rhythm.
That philosophy explains why Foden’s club form will be so important.
Every Manchester City match now represents an opportunity for Foden to send a message to the England manager.
Goals will obviously help, but Tuchel will likely be looking beyond statistics. Foden will need to demonstrate energy, creativity, tactical discipline, defensive commitment and the ability to influence matches consistently.
He will also need to show that he can perform in the role Tuchel believes suits him best.
The England manager has previously praised Foden’s qualities and has never suggested that the midfielder lacks ability. Instead, the issue has been whether he is currently producing enough to justify selection.
That distinction is important.
Foden’s international career is not necessarily over. In fact, his age means he still has plenty of time to return to the England setup and potentially become a major figure again.
But Tuchel’s message is that Foden must earn that opportunity.
The midfielder cannot depend on his reputation as a Manchester City star or on his previous achievements with the club. He must demonstrate his value again.
That could create a fascinating battle between Foden and the other attacking midfielders competing for England places.
Jude Bellingham remains one of the country’s most important attacking midfielders. Morgan Rogers has also shown his ability to operate in advanced positions, while Eberechi Eze provides creativity and unpredictability. Other players can also compete for the same positions depending on Tuchel’s tactical setup.
Foden therefore has to give the manager a reason to change his current selection.
The pressure could ultimately work in his favour.
Throughout his career, Foden has responded strongly to challenges. His development at Manchester City demonstrated his ability to compete for places in a squad filled with world-class players.
Now he faces another challenge: convincing the England manager that he still belongs among the country’s best.
Tuchel’s decision could also serve as motivation rather than punishment.
Instead of permanently closing the door, the manager is effectively placing responsibility in Foden’s hands.
Improve, perform and earn your place.
That is the standard Tuchel appears determined to maintain.
England’s current approach is increasingly based on merit, with players expected to prove themselves at club level before being rewarded internationally. The official England squad announced for the current Nations League window reflects that approach, with several players selected after strong starts to the season and impressive previous performances.
Foden’s previous experiences under Tuchel also demonstrate that the door can open again. In November 2025, Tuchel recalled him after a strong Champions League performance for Manchester City and praised his form, while explaining that he saw Foden as most dangerous in a central role.
That means Foden’s comeback is entirely possible.
But it has to be earned.
For now, Tuchel’s stance represents one of the clearest challenges Foden has faced in his international career. The England manager has shown that even highly decorated players can be left out if their performances do not meet his expectations.
Foden therefore has a decision to make.
He can either allow the disappointment of missing England squads to affect him, or use it as motivation to produce the best football of his career.
If he begins producing goals and assists consistently, dominates matches for Manchester City and demonstrates the central attacking qualities Tuchel values, the England manager may eventually have little choice but to reconsider him.
Until then, the message from Tuchel is unmistakable: Phil Foden must improve before he can expect to return.
For a player of Foden’s quality, that challenge could be exactly what is needed.
England have not forgotten what Foden is capable of. But Tuchel wants to see evidence that the player who once looked destined to become one of England’s biggest stars is ready to deliver at the highest level again.
The door remains open.
Foden simply has to walk through it by earning his place.