Manchester City star Phil Foden believes he is getting back to his best and still has the ambition to earn a place in the England squad. The 26-year-old missed out on the World Cup this summer, but he is showing signs of rediscovering his form under Enzo Maresca.
Foden scored a hat-trick in his last Champions League game for City. He wants to keep that feeling of being among the goals as the team works to show it is not overly reliant on Erling Haaland in this week’s matches against RB Leipzig and Nottingham Forest.
Bouncing back from a difficult spell
Foden spent two years struggling for consistency amid various issues. He has responded well since receiving a red card in the Manchester derby, which kept him out of action for a month. Since his sending off, the academy product has contributed six goals and assists from three starts.
Although Foden is unlikely to be called up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the November internationals, he remains positive about his game.
“I think personally it’s gone really well,” he said. “Obviously I had the unfortunate red card against United, but the break has done me good. I think I came back really fresh minded and sharp. I’ve been involved in a lot of goals recently, so I’ve been really happy with my performance.”
Focusing on the next steps
Foden said his priority is consistency and getting into good positions in front of goal.
“Just keep playing regularly, being happy, positive and being in the right position to score as well. Hopefully I can get back to that level. I think I’m starting to get back there now in my recent performances. I just hope I keep growing and keep getting better.”
He added that he is focused on his own performances as the team looks to finish this run of fixtures on a high.
“You just have to keep trying your best on the football field, keep putting in performances. That’s all we’re trying to do really, is focus on your own game. Hopefully one day the [England] call-up might come back.”