England manager Thomas Tuchel probably doesn't need anyone to mention Phil Foden's talent. However, if he was watching Manchester City's 4-1 win over Dortmund, it would be a clear reminder.
Tuchel will announce the latest call-up list this Friday, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. In that context, Foden's two goals at the Etihad came at the right time.
After being left out of the last three training sessions due to injuries, mental fatigue and unstable performance, the 25-year-old player does not have much time to affirm that he deserves to be on the flight to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. Against Dortmund, he proved why he had to be in that prestigious tournament.
Tuchel has a talented attacking squad in hand, and it is entirely possible that a few big stars will be left out. But with Foden playing at this level, it is hard to believe he will be left behind.
"Thomas Tuchel is very smart and wise, he understands exactly what the national team needs, and I think he knows Phil Foden well. No one in this country, even in the world, does not know his qualities and abilities.
The England team is very lucky to have many good players. There are also many excellent people in Foden's position, and that is why he has to always strive to improve the most" - said Man City coach Pep Guardiola.
This can be considered Foden's best performance - energetic, full of energy and always having potential danger, even in the narrowest spaces. Only a small group of players are confident enough when surrounded by the opponent's defense. And very few people can make a difference from seemingly impossible situations.
Assigned by Guardiola to play in the center, Foden did it - twice against Dortmund, scoring his first double in his UEFA Champions League career.
After the match, Guardiola admitted that in the first 10 minutes, his team "did not know where they were". Things only changed when Foden had the ball in his feet.
In the middle of the first half, Foden received the ball from a seemingly harmless pass from Tijjani Reijnders. The away team in black and gold still maintains their solidity. However, with just three delicate touches, Foden turned around, escaped the resistance and fired his left foot into the low corner of the goal.
A goal that came almost from nowhere, the type of goal that made the opponent's defense only able to stand still and be surprised by what had just happened.
Foden's second goal was probably more impressive than the opening goal. Once again, he received a seemingly simple pass right in the penalty area, and in a moment of brilliance, Foden turned it into a masterpiece.
Surrounded by three Dortmund defenders, Foden still skillfully swerved through the defense, keeping the ball close to his feet and firing a dangerous shot, pointing the hook directly into the corner of the net.
Ramy Bensebaini, Dortmund's number 5 player, was completely helpless. In a desperate attempt, he could only push Foden from behind as soon as the Englishman had a shot. But it was too late - the ball still ripped off goalkeeper Gregor Kobel's net, raising the score to 3-0 for Man City.
When Bensebaini had not yet regained his balance, Foden rushed to the corner of the field, enthusiastically celebrating with his teammates.
The 2026 World Cup is the next opportunity for England to win their first title in 60 years. Foden's performance against Dortmund was a timely reminder for Tuchel that he had to be in that tournament.
