Phil Foden is back to his best, says Pep Guardiola, after the Manchester City striker scored twice in a 4-1 Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund.
Both goals were brilliantly scored, low with precision, as City edged past the Bundesliga side, who themselves have lost just once so far this season.
It was the first time Foden had scored twice in a Champions League game. All four of his shots – a game-high along with Erling Haaland – were on target, and 50 percent were goals.
After a difficult 2024/25 season for both the players and the club, both now look like returning to their previous best, which saw them win the Champions League among the trophies in 2022/23.
“I’m happy that it wasn’t just Erling who scored!” Guardiola said after Wednesday’s win.
Phil Foden celebrates after scoring his second goal for Man City against Borussia Dortmund
“Phil is back! How many times, how many years have we seen a goal like this from Phil? We missed him a lot last season, even this season. I think he will help us a lot.”
“He’s got the confidence to score this type of goal, where he doesn’t have to shoot hard – you just get close to the post, it’s like a pass towards the net. Phil is fantastic.”
“As long as Phil is happy, loved and joyful, you don’t need to talk much. He is a special player. But we need his goals and hopefully this is the first step to do that.”
Foden himself is enjoying his football again, he says TNT Sports: “I like it. I have to play with a smile on my face, which I do.”
“Last year was tough, not only for me but for everyone. This season is a new togetherness and today you could say Dortmund gave us problems. They are a great team but we stuck to the game plan and we brought them down with our talent up front.”
Foden will be hoping to bring the same spark to Man City as they host Liverpool in the Premier League Super weekbefore going on international break.
Sunday, November 9 at 4:00 p.m
Start at 16:30
Will Foden be invited to the England national team?
Phil Foden last played for England in March
Foden’s star turnaround on Wednesday night comes at a crucial time, with Thomas Tuchel announcing his next England cap on Friday.
Foden last played for England in March 2025 and was included in Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad. However, he was not part of the last three camps.
When asked about the possibility of an England call-up, Guardiola added: “Listen, Thomas is so smart and knows exactly what the national team needs.”
“I think Thomas knows Phil perfectly. Phil wants to play better and better and better. The national team is different, as a team. The national team is a short time to make a team when you are not a team.
“There is not a person in this country or in the world who does not know their own quality and ability. But England are lucky to have so many good players in this position.”
“That’s why Phil has to keep trying to get better and better because when he gets the call, he can say, ‘OK, I’m going to show how good I am.’
England are loaded with talent in the Foden position, and any squad announcement will inevitably leave out talented players.
But in the Premier League this season, Foden has created the fourth-most chances (20), with Everton loanee Jack Grealish (21) the only English player above him on that score.
Of course, Tuchel will consider much more than just stats when picking his latest squad, but Foden has certainly caught the eye as he looks to reclaim his place in the England starting line-up.