“I took some time off football” – Manchester City’s Phil Foden lifts lid on England World Cup snub | OneFootball

Phil Foden has opened up on how he handled being omitted from England’s FIFA World Cup squad, revealing he used the summer to rest and reset ahead of what he hopes will be a defining season at Manchester City.

The 26-year-old was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the tournament in North America – a high-profile snub that generated significant discussion given his status as one of the most naturally gifted players in English football.

The decision afforded Foden a full pre-season with Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium, and the midfielder has signed a new four-year contract keeping him at the club until 2030.

Maresca has made no secret of his desire to help Foden rediscover his best form, describing it as his “duty” to have the forward back to the level that won him the Premier League Player of the Season award two years ago.

Foden: I just want to have a really good year

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against K-League All Stars in Seoul, Foden was candid and upbeat about how he processed the World Cup omission.

“I took some time off football, spent some good time with the family, and just rested,” said Foden. “Going into this season, I just want to have a really good year, want to try and help the team as much as possible, and try and be one of the leaders, and hopefully win titles as well!”

The desire to step into a leadership role is a notable declaration from a player who has historically led more by example than by voice – and one that aligns with what Maresca has been asking of his experienced players during the opening weeks of pre-season at the City Football Academy and on tour in east Asia.

Foden’s hunger to deliver collectively, rather than use the interview purely to address the personal disappointment of missing the World Cup, says something about the mindset he has arrived into pre-season carrying.

What does Foden’s mindset mean for Man City this season?

With Bernardo Silva having left for Real Madrid and the squad undergoing significant change, the next generation of City’s senior players need to step up into the leadership vacuum – and Foden’s public commitment to doing exactly that is an encouraging early signal.

Maresca spoke warmly about Foden in his first press conference, drawing on their shared treble-winning season as evidence of a relationship built on trust – and the manager’s belief that Foden’s best years are still ahead of him appears to be a view the player fully shares.

A fully fit, motivated and resurgent Foden is one of the most exciting prospects for Manchester City’s 2026-27 campaign – and if he arrives at that level, the England debate will take care of itself long before the next tournament comes around.