Manchester City forward needs “just a few weeks without playing football” in order to get back to his best
Phil Foden is considering skipping England’s upcoming international fixtures to rest and recover after a demanding and emotionally draining season with Manchester City.
The 24-year-old endured a campaign in 2024/25 that fell well short of expectations for both player and club. Despite flashes of brilliance, the England international struggled to find consistency and the kind of form that saw him win the Premier League player of the season in 2024.
It has contributed to City ending the season trophyless for the first time since Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge, with setbacks in the Premier League and Champions League, and then the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.
Now, with City rounding off the Premier League season at Fulham, Foden has expressed doubts about linking up with the England squad for the June friendlies against Andorra and Senegal.
“I just need a few weeks off it without playing football and obviously I can’t get it at the moment,” said Foden. “It’s a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner.
“It’s something we have to speak with the club and national team to see maybe if it’s better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent to back how I want it. I just don’t know at the moment, it’s a conversation to be had and we’ll see what happens.”
Foden sustained an ankle injury in April, and while he was only sidelined for 12 days, he admits that he might have rushed back from it.
“The ankle has taken time to heal. I somehow managed to play on at United. That’s the kind of person I am, I try to play on with anything. I remember how much pain I felt when the adrenaline died down. A lot of people don’t know what football players have to go through and play with.”
Beyond the physical wear and tear, Foden also opened up about the mental strain he’s carried throughout the campaign.
“It’s been a frustrating season for me. I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. Sometimes there are things in life that are bigger than football. I’ve struggled a little bit.
“Hopefully next year I can get my head mentally right and get back to where I left off the season before because I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have.”
