Phil Foden believes he is getting back to his best for Manchester City and still harbours ambition of returning to the England squad. The 26-year-old missed out on the World Cup this summer but is showing signs of finding his form again under Enzo Maresca.
Foden scored a hat-trick in his last Champions League game for City and wants to keep that feeling of being among the goals. The team needs to show it is not overly reliant on Erling Haaland in this week’s games against RB Leipzig and Nottingham Forest.
Recovering from a difficult spell
After two years of struggling for consistency amid various issues, Foden has responded well to a red card in the Manchester derby. That sending off saw him go a month without playing a game. The academy graduate has been involved in six goals and assists from three starts since then, and he feels fresh as City look to end this latest round of fixtures on a high.
Even though Foden is unlikely to be called up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the November internationals, the boyhood Blue is feeling positive about his game.
“I think personally it’s gone really well,” he said. “Obviously I had the unfortunate red card against United, but the break has done me good. I think I came back really fresh minded and sharp. I’ve been involved in a lot of goals recently, so I’ve been really happy with my performance.
“Just keep playing regularly, being happy, positive and being in the right position to score as well. Hopefully I can get back to that level. I think I’m starting to get back there now in my recent performances. I just hope I keep growing and keep getting better.
“You just have to keep trying your best on the football field, keep putting in performances. That’s all we’re trying to do really, is focus on your own game. Hopefully one day the [England] call-up might come back.”