Foden not guaranteed World Cup squad spot - Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel has said Phil Foden is still fighting for a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad and is not guaranteed selection.

Reuters recorded Tuchel saying final decisions will be made late in May, after more club football has been played and the England coach has had more time to assess his options. The comments leave Foden among a group of attacking players still competing for a seat on the plane.

Sky Sports reported Tuchel said Foden and Cole Palmer struggled to make a difference in England’s 1-0 loss to Japan, while The Guardian also reported that Foden does not have an assured squad place. Manchester City’s own coverage noted that Foden remains under consideration as Tuchel narrows his squad to 26.

The situation underlines how much remains open before Tuchel finalises his selection. Foden remains in contention, but the England boss has made clear that no attacker should assume they are guaranteed a place.