Manchester City star formally withdraws from international duty | OneFootball

Manchester City star Phil Foden has formally withdrawn from England international duty due to illness.

The 24-year-old, who was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year last month, has played just 45 minutes of football for Manchester City during the 2024/25 campaign so far, featuring as a substitute against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Foden was absent for the FA Community Shield after being granted an extended summer holiday following the European Championship, meanwhile illness has prevented the versatile midfielder from playing against either Ipswich Town or West Ham.

The midfielder hasn’t trained with the Manchester City first-team as a result of the prolonged problem, but was named in Lee Carsley’s squad for England matches against both Ireland and Finland in the UEFA Nations League.

Manchester City manager Per Guardiola suggested over the weekend that Foden would be forced to withdraw from the Three Lions squad, with the Football Association confirming the news on Tuesday evening.

A statement published by England, said: “Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden have pulled out of Three Lions’ camp ahead of this month’s Nations League fixtures.

“Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden will play no part in England’s forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

“The Three Lions squad reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday but, following assessment, both Palmer and Watkins returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues.

“Foden did not report through illness and is ruled out of the matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland. No further additions are planned at this moment in time.”

Manchester City trio Jack Grealish, John Stones and Rico Lewis are available for England’s two upcoming fixtures, with Lewis receiving a first senior call-up following an impressive start to the season with the Sky Blues.

The teenager has started all four of Manchester City’s matches across the FA Community Shield and Premier League, restricting opportunities for Kyle Walker, with the 34-year-old not selected by Carsley for England’s September fixtures.