Phil Foden and John Stones: Do the Manchester City stars make England’s FIFA World Cup squad? | OneFootball

Two players pivotal to England’s recent success in international competitions, Phil Foden and John Stones are under pressure for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s FIFA World Cup squad.

Stones, a key leader and defensive figure in England’s recent history, has only featured 14 times for Manchester City this term, making just four Premier League starts.

Foden has been an ever-present for City this season but his fluctuating form and England’s array of talent in his preferred number 10 role could put his spot on the plane up in the air – excuse the pun.

Calum Vine from City Xtra discusses what the Manchester City duo offer Tuchel and their chance of inspiring England to FIFA World Cup glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Experience vs Form: The dilemma facing Thomas Tuchel

Stones and Foden have a vast amount of top-flight and international experience, recording 87 and 47 senior caps for England respectively.

The pair have been regulars in the England ranks over the years, with Stones playing in every international tournament since the 2018 FIFA World Cup – and Foden in a similar situation, consistently featuring for the Three Lions since the 2021 European Championship.

Alongside international experience, Stones and Foden also boast significant continental experience, both playing crucial roles in Manchester City’s domestic, European and global success under Pep Guardiola.

This international experience will be essential for England’s young, hungry and developing side. Going off Tuchel’s recent international squad, experience and international pedigree is relatively sparse.

With experience proving vital in long international tournaments, it is essential that players like Foden and Stones are involved for England to fulfil their potential and break their silverware hoodoo.

The ‘False Nine’ Factor: How Foden fits Tuchel’s tactical plan

Tuchel and Guardiola recognise the tactical flexibility the Manchester City pair offer, with Stones offering depth in the centre of defence whilst being a viable defensive midfield and right full-back option.

Foden has often been deployed in different roles under Guardiola and Tuchel, being able to perform in the number 10 role as well as on either flank – as proven in the recent past.

In addition, Tuchel has publicly tagged Foden as ‘a unique player’ who can adapt to the German manager’s positional demands and spearhead the England attack in the number nine role, proven by an impressive cameo in England’s 2-0 win against Serbia in November 2025 – wherein the Manchester City academy graduate provided an assist off the bench.

This tactical adaptability can enhance the Manchester City duo’s chances of being on the plane for Tuchel’s Three Lions in the summer, helping to provide essential depth for positions that will be fundamental to how England perform.

Defensive Reliability: Can John Stones overcome injury woes?

With the exceptional pool of talent available for Tuchel in the number 10 role, Foden’s position on the plane looks up for grabs as the 25-year-old’s form has been inconsistent in recent times – despite a strong start to the campaign in the backdrop of a difficult 2024-25 season for the attacker.

As for Stones, with a varied injury record and a lack of consistent minutes under Guardiola in recent seasons, many may believe that like Foden, the 31-year-old’s spot may be unconfirmed.

However, after performing maximum minutes in Tuchel’s previous two friendlies and maintaining clean sheets in both, Stones could be a certain selection to regulate England’s defence at this summer’s marquee tournament.