LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Phil Foden in action for England(Image credit: Getty Images)

England are yet to see the best of Phil Foden while wearing the Three Lions on his chest, with the 24-year-old having struggled to match the same heights he has managed for Manchester City.

Many thought Foden would shine at Euro 2024 last summer coming off the back of a PFA Player of the Year award-winning season, but the Manchester City man failed to score or assist a single goal as he struggled out on the left-wing for the majority of the tournament.

Liverpool legend and ex-England centre-back Jamie Carragher believes that Foden is lacking the self-confidence on the international stage that he has displayed for Manchester City, comparing him to Jude Bellingham as part of a debate over whether Foden should be even playing for England.

England are yet to see the best of Phil Foden

When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad, which is fine," Carragher said on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.

"I dont think he has got that arrogance for England the same way Jude Bellingham does. That holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasnt performed.

Carragher continued, highlighting that Foden has failed to grab his opportunity with both hands like other players in the Three Lions side.

Despite changing positions and not being played in his preferred No.10 role, Foden still hasn't managed to have an impact while playing for England, with his sub-par performances and four goals in 45 appearances for the national team reinforcing Carragher's belief.

Phil Foden has played every position for England, and he just hasnt done anything. We all love him and hes amazing for Manchester City, but he hasnt done it for England. Hes not a used car and he hasnt done enough for England.

"He got picked at a similar time to Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham, but those two grabbed their chance and took it. There is no way theyre getting left out!

In Thomas Tuchel's first game as England manager, against Albania last Friday, Foden started on the right-wing and managed to play the majority of the game. He still flattered to deceive, however, with the German boss preferring to start Bellingham in attacking midfield.

After Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers started in their against Latvia, Foden's opportunities in the side could be limited in central areas.

Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.


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