Pep Guardiola drops Phil Foden England squad withdrawal hint

09-02-2024
2 min read
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Pep Guardiola expects Manchester City midfield star Phil Foden to pull out of the England squad this week.

Foden was called up by interim Three Lions head coach Lee Carsley for England's two UEFA Nations League games this month as they travel to the Republic of Ireland on September 7 and host Finland at Wembley three days later.

However, Guardiola believes Foden will be removed by the England medical staff, after missing City's last two games due to illness.

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"I think he will not go, but I don't know. He doesn't feel well. But national teams, they decide these things", he said.

Foden is not a long-term fitness concern for Guardiola, but the extra rest granted by an international withdrawal, will aid his recovery.

Fellow midfielder Rodri, who has not featured so far this season, will also remain in Manchester as he serves a one-game international ban for Spain.

Guardiola was speaking on the back of City's 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham United as he extended his unbeaten EPL run against the Hammers to 15 games.

City and Liverpool are the only two sides to win all three of their Premier League games this season as the defending champions look to gain an edge on their rivals.