Phil Foden is back to his best, says Josep Guardiola, after the Manchester City forward scored twice in the 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Both goals were well-placed, with City easily getting past a Bundesliga team that has only lost once so far this season, scoring with low accuracy.
This was the first time Foden had scored twice in a Champions League match. All four of his shots were on target, tying him with Erling Haaland for the most in the match, giving him 50% of his shots.
After a difficult 2024/25 season for both the players and the club, both sides now appear to be returning to their best form before winning the treble and winning the Champions League in the 2022/23 season.
“I’m glad that Erling wasn’t the only one to score!” Guardiola said after Wednesday’s win.
Phil Foden celebrates after scoring Man City’s second goal against Borussia Dortmund
“Phil is back! How many times and over the years have we seen this kind of goal from Phil? Last season and even this season we missed it so many times. I think he will help us a lot.”
“He’s confident in scoring this type of goal. You don’t have to take a strong shot, just put the ball close to the post, it’s like a pass into the net. Phil is great.”
“As long as Phil is happy, loved and happy, there’s not much to say. He’s a special player. But we need goals from him and I hope this is the first step.”
Foden himself is also enjoying playing football again, telling TNT Sports:
“Last year was a tough year, not only for me, but for everyone. This season there is a new sense of unity and, as you can see today, Dortmund caused us some problems. They are a great team, but we stuck to our game plan and put our talent to the forefront to break them down.”
Foden will be hoping to bring the same excitement to Man City ahead of the international break as they host Liverpool in the Premier League on Super Sunday.
Sunday, November 9th 4pm
4:30pm kickoff
Will Foden be recalled to the England squad?
Phil Foden last played for England in March.
Foden’s star turn on Wednesday night comes at a crucial time, with manager Thomas Tuchel announcing the next England squad on Friday.
Foden last played for England in March 2025, when he was included in Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad. However, he has not participated in the past three camps.
Asked about the possibility of being called up to the England squad, Guardiola said: “Listen, Thomas is very smart and knows exactly what the national team needs.
“I think Thomas knows Phil perfectly. Phil wants to play better, better, better. The national team is different as a team. The national team is a short time to make a team when you’re not a team.”
“There’s no one in this country or in the world who doesn’t know his quality and ability, but England are lucky to have so many good players in this position.”
“That’s why Phil has to push himself to get better, so when he gets the call he can say, ‘Okay, I’m going to prove how good I am.’
England have a talented player in Foden’s position, and it is inevitable that a talented player will be left out when the squad is announced.
However, Foden has created the fourth-highest number of chances (20) in the Premier League this season, with Jack Grealish, 21, on loan from Everton, the only English player to rank above him in this metric.
Of course, statistics are not the only thing Tuchel considers when choosing his latest squad, but Foden is certainly in the spotlight as he looks to regain his place in England’s starting XI.
