Micah Richards urges Thomas Tuchel to include Phil Foden in England’s World Cup squad | OneFootball

Micah Richards has called for Phil Foden to be included in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, arguing that the Manchester City midfielder can produce “magic” when it’s needed.

Foden was the star as City earned a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, with the England international providing two assists including a superb backheel to set up Antoine Semenyo for the opener.

The midfielder picked up the ball with his back to goal and produced a brilliant through ball into the path of Semenyo, who simply had to drag a first-time finish into the far corner to open the scoring.

It set the foundations for a dominant win for City, and Foden had another assist soon after as he helped on Josko Gvardiol’s cross into the path of Omar Marmoush, who added a second before half-time.

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Foden set up two goals and was unlucky not to grab a hat-trick of assists (Getty)

It marked a positive performance for Foden at a key part of the season, and perhaps provided a reminder of his talents to Thomas Tuchel as the England boss prepares to name his squad for the World Cup.

And Richards highlighted how Foden’s assist shows that he “brings something different” to the England set-up.

“As it’s a 26-man squad, there are certain games where teams will play a low block and Foden can unlock the door,” says Richards on Sky after full-time.

“I know he’s not had the best of seasons. But in a World Cup, when you need something special, he can produce that,” said Richards as he analysed Foden’s first assist.

“Tuchel likes Morgan Rogers but in terms of passing and football brain I’d be taking Foden. He’s not played well at times for England, it’s not worked for him but he brings something different in a big squad. He’s just got that magic,” added the former City defender.

While Richards was quick to praise Foden, he did conceded that the City man might struggle to make the final England squad after a disappointing season that has yielded just seven goals and five assists in the Premier League.

“I wish he could have showed it more this season. I hope he gets in but I don’t think he gets in. He’d be in my squad,” added Richards.

Tuchel is set to name his final squad for the World Cup on Friday, 22 May, with England set to fly to the USA in early June ahead of pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica on 6 June and 10 June respectively.