John Stones sends England message to Phil Foden after considering retirement last term | OneFootball

Manchester City’s defensive duo in midweek action this week have piled on the praise and admiration for teammate Phil Foden, following his brace on the European stage.

The 25-year-old is edging ever closer to the peak of his powers after another standout performance in midweek in a stylish 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League group-phase.

Foden bagged a brilliant brace to silence his critics, having admitted he has suffered from physical and mental fatigue in the last year as Manchester City underwent their most challenging campaign since Pep Guardiola took charge in 2016.

However, the Stockport-born forward has been in fine form this season, having marked his first start for Manchester City this term with a well-taken header in a 3-1 derby win over Manchester United in September.

Guardiola has played Foden regularly since September and it is no coincidence that Manchester City have won 10 of their 13 games in all competitions since to claw themselves back into the conversation for the Premier League title – having made a sluggish start to the 2025-26 season.

Speaking to Hayters TV after Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening, John Stones was full of praise for his England teammate. “I’m just so pleased for him,” the 31-year-old said on Foden.

“I’m a big fan of Phil, of everything, how he plays the game, how everything just comes so natural to him. I’m so pleased that he’s back on the score sheet, back happy, seeing him enjoying his football.”

Guardiola and England manager Thomas Tuchel have both admitted over the last six months that they want to see Foden back playing with a smile on his face. That has certainly been the case this season as the Manchester City academy graduate continues to lead a new-look dressing room by example.

“I think that’s when you get the best out of him (Foden),” Stones added. “He’s working hard off the ball as well, which is showing his maturity within his game. I’m so pleased for him.”

Foden has been knocking on Tuchel’s door to receive a call back to the England squad after failing to make the cut in recent camps, and confirmation of the squad list on Friday morning saw the Stockport-born playmaker included for the first time in three selections.

“I know he wants to be (back playing for England), he’s been a huge part of it,” Stones said. “I know that the manager (Tuchel) loves him and it’s a privileged place to be.

“We’ve all got a fight to be there and earn the shirt. I think, without a doubt, he’s given him a good headache for selection, whenever that is,” Stones continued ahead of Friday’s announcement.

Stones partnered Josko Gvardiol in central defence against Borussia Dortmund, with the Crotia international also giving his two cents on Foden in conversation with Hayters TV after the 4-1 triumph.

“We are all happy that we can see the Phil we used to see,” Gvardiol said. “Of course, we are here always to support him, to push him. He’s an incredible player, we all know his qualities, and me personally, I’m happy to see that he’s doing good.”

Foden is expected to start against Liverpool in a monumental Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as second-placed Manchester City look to claim a vital league win over the reigning champions and keep up the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.