Thomas Tuchel has 'finally seen the light' about Phil Foden after Man City star left out of England squad for June internationals for fitness reasons

The Manchester City playmaker has struggled for form and fitness in the 2024-25 campaign, with the 24-year-old admitting that he "needs a few weeks off" in order to restore the physical conditioning that allows him to perform at his best.

Foden has been granted rest at the end of the domestic season and ahead of FIFA Club World Cup duty with City. That is because England boss Tuchel has called upon other creative influences for upcoming fixtures against Andorra and Senegal.

Foden has registered 10 goals and three assists for City this season, but those numbers are well down on last term - when he found the target on 27 occasions across all competitions. Some fans are pleased to see the six-time Premier League title winner overlooked by the Three Lions.

Reacting to news of England’s latest selection, @adeogunyale said: "Finally seen the light about that Foden fraud." @TC7123 added: "Bold move not picking Foden, shows that nobody is gonna be undroppable under Tuchel. Would've had Bowen in there personally but overall its a decent squad." @_joebray said: "No Foden in England squad after he asked for a rest to ease the pressure on his injured ankle. No place for Lewis, Stones or Grealish either, so Kyle Walker the only #mcfc representative. No United players either, so it's an England squad without any Manchester-based players."

On the absence of others in England’s squad for a World Cup qualifier and international friendly, @AmarVijh999 said: "This is just a Chelsea team!! Where is Maguire??? Tuchel is already a failure." On a similar theme, @wiggsy137 added: "Again some shocking picks, Jordan Henderson, Walker, Toney & Madueke shouldn’t be anywhere near this squad. Who honestly picks these players. Seriously what is the point."

While Foden has been left out, Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been recalled. Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers and Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White are also included, and can play the No.10 role, while Jude Bellingham continues to delay surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury.