England interim boss Lee Carsley facing his first battle as Man City push for Phil Foden to be released from international duty ahead of UEFA Nations League ties

Foden missed the Cityzens' last two Premier League clashes against Ipswich Town and West Ham United due to an illness, yet the player was named in the first England squad of the post-Gareth Southgate era. However, The Sun reports that the English champions now want the Three Lions to release the 24-year-old as they want him to fully recover and return to their starting lineup after the international break.

While Foden remains an important part of Pep Guardiola's side, the team did not feel his absence as they scored seven goals in their last two league fixtures with Erling Haaland netting back-to-back hat-tricks and breaking a 30-year-old record.

The English attacker was named the Premier League's Player of the Season in the 2023-24 campaign as he contributed with 27 goals across all competitions and provided 12 assists as his club lifted the league title for the fourth consecutive year.

It remains to be seen if Lee Carsley obliges City's request and lets the young attacker leave the camp. England take on the Republic of Ireland in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday.