Phil Foden misses England call-up due to illness

Phil Foden, the 24-year-old midfielder and last season's PFA Player of the Year, has been selected for the England squad by interim manager Lee Carsley for the upcoming Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. However, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has indicated that Foden is unlikely to join the national team due to health concerns. Foden has only participated in 45 minutes of play this season, primarily in the opening match against Chelsea. Guardiola revealed that Foden is suffering from a stomach illness, described as a little virus, which has left him feeling unwell. The manager expressed uncertainty about Foden's ability to recover in time for the international fixtures, stating, “I don’t think so right now.” Despite the concerns, Guardiola mentioned that antibiotics could help Foden feel better. Manchester City has continued to perform well in Foden's absence, achieving three consecutive wins, including a recent 3-1 victory over West Ham. The team has not felt the impact of Foden's illness significantly, as they have maintained strong performances, particularly with Erling Haaland scoring multiple goals. The situation highlights the challenges faced by players when balancing club and international commitments, especially when health issues arise. Foden's potential absence from the England squad may affect the team's strategy, but City appears to be managing well without him for the time being.