Phil Foden’s Journey in International Football: A Retrospective

As England advances to their second consecutive European Championship final, Foden aims to add another medal to his collection. Gareth Southgate’s squad will face Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday, July 14, at 20:00 (UK time).

In this match, Foden, alongside teammates Kyle Walker and John Stones, will confront his City colleague Rodrigo, who has been a dominant force in Spain’s midfield as he is for City.

While this final represents Foden’s first opportunity to clinch a senior international honor, his breakout moment came during the U17 World Cup in 2017. Representing England, the Stockport-born talent impressed with two crucial goals in a historic final, earning him the prestigious Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.

Progressing through the ranks, Foden ascended to the U21s at just 18, making 15 appearances before earning his senior call-up in August 2020. His England debut against Iceland marked the beginning of a promising international career, highlighted by standout performances like his memorable hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Iceland in November 2020.

Since then, Foden has been a consistent presence in England’s lineup, showcasing versatility and skill across various positions. His contributions, including three assists in four matches, have been pivotal in England’s journey through recent qualifiers and tournaments.

Looking ahead to the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and subsequent tournaments, Foden’s form for City has been stellar, solidifying his role within the England setup. His performance during the World Cup in Qatar, culminating in a crucial goal against Wales, further underlined his importance to the national team.

Returning to City, Foden continued to excel, contributing significantly to their historic Treble and other notable successes. His impact extended into international friendlies and tournaments, including standout displays in the current European Championship, where he has started every game and emerged as a key figure in Southgate’s plans.

With 40 caps already to his name, Foden’s international career is one of promise and accomplishment. Winning a major tournament with England would elevate his status to an even higher echelon of footballing greatness.