Thomas Tuchel has revealed that tactical confusion about Phil Foden's best role forced him to exclude the Manchester City winger from England's World Cup squad. The German manager explained that deploying the versatile attacker in an unfamiliar position would have created discomfort within the camp, ultimately making the omission necessary despite Foden's quality and experience.
Foden becomes the highest-profile casualty in Tuchel's squad overhaul, joining Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire, and Trent Alexander-Arnold among surprising exclusions. Despite 49 international caps since his 2020 debut, the 25-year-old struggled domestically this season, scoring just seven Premier League goals as Manchester City's momentum wavered in the second half of the campaign. Having featured regularly in England's previous three tournament campaigns, his drop-off in form and consistency left the new England boss with little choice but to make the tough call.
The Position Puzzle
Speaking to talkSPORT, Tuchel articulated the core issue: "I was unsure in the end what position he is. Is it a 10, is it a false 9, is it maybe more of a Bernardo Silva role in the future as an 8?" The uncertainty reflects a broader tactical challenge that has dogged Foden's international career. Successive managers have shuffled him between the wing and creative midfield roles, never quite settling on an optimal deployment that maximizes his talents alongside England's other attacking talent.
Under Tuchel's structured system since January 2025, the landscape has shifted considerably. Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers now anchor the central attacking midfield positions, leaving Foden with minimal opportunity to stake a claim. The manager acknowledged the uncomfortable position this created: "It doesn't make sense to bring players and maybe play them out of position…to have them in camp would make them uncomfortable, unhappy." Rather than invite discontent, Tuchel opted for clarity and certainty in his squad selection.
What Lies Ahead
England faces a stern examination in Group L against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, with the opening fixture against the Croatians scheduled for June 17 at Arlington's AT&T Stadium. Tuchel's bold selection gamble will face immediate global scrutiny as the Three Lions attempt to justify the exclusions of household names. Meanwhile, Foden must use the extended summer break to mentally reset before navigating a significant pre-season transition under Manchester City's new managerial setup, determined to reclaim his place in international football's upper echelon.
