Phil Foden likely to withdraw from England squad due to virus, says Man City boss Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola suspects Phil Foden will have to drop out of the England squad due to a virus.
Foden started every match on England’s run to the final of Euro 2024 this summer but missed Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Ipswich Town and Saturday’s 3-1 win at West Ham after feeling discomfort against Chelsea on the opening weekend.
The forward was an integral part of the City team which won their sixth Premier League title in seven years last term by pipping Arsenal to the post on the final day of the campaign.
On Thursday, Foden was named in Lee Carsley’s first England squad since becoming interim manager, but Guardiola has continued to cast doubt on the 24-year-old’s inclusion in Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Asked whether Foden is likely to feature for the Three Lions Guardiola responded: “I don’t think so right now. I think he will not go, but I don’t know.
“He doesn’t feel well — otherwise he would be here. But like I said before, national teams decide.”
Guardiola explained it is illness keeping Foden out, adding: “He doesn’t feel good. It’s his stomach, a little, little virus. Some people said antibiotics and so on will be fine.”
Foden has scored four goals in 41 appearances for England since making his international debut against Iceland in September 2020.
