Phil Foden Misses Out, as Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling Return for England

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been left out of the England squad for this month’s international break. The 20-year-old was sent home alongside Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood after a UEFA Nations League clash with Iceland last time out for breaking coronavirus rules.

That that has led to the two players being left out by manager Gareth Southgate this time around. They both made their senior debuts in the 1-0 Nations League win against Iceland, but they may have to wait longer to get back in the team.

Explaining the decision to exclude Foden and Greenwood from the squad, Southgate said:

“They’re two very talented players. I think with what happened there are two parts. One is we have to send a message to all players in our teams at every age level that that isn’t how we do things with England.

“But then we have to rehabilitate these two boys. Young people will make mistakes. I do a lot of work with the Prince’s Trust and they’re brilliant at helping youngsters get back on their feet when things haven’t gone right.

“These lads have suffered now enough. We didn’t think it was right [to call them up], I think they need this period of reflection but then that gives them the opportunity to get back on their feet with their clubs, enjoy their football again.

“They’re both starting to play well again, which is important. Then I can speak to them after this camp and then it will be just down to their form as to whether they’re selected next time around,” he concluded.

As it stands, the pair would be in consideration for the next squad in November as long as they keep performing well for their clubs.

However, Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling were called up. Walker is making a comeback after getting a red card against Iceland. The 30-year-old feared his international future was under threat after the incident but the manager has kept faith with him.

Meanwhile, Sterling will hope to add to his tally for England after scoring the only goal in the game against Erik Hamren’s side. The 25-year-old opened his account for the new season with a brace against Burnley in the League Cup on Wednesday. He is now playing a key role for both club and country but Pep Guardiola will need him even more this term.

Foden’s exclusion can also be a blessing in disguise as the midfielder can have a rest and stay fresh for the resumption of league football.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley), Dean Henderson (Manchester United)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Arsenal), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa),

Midfielders: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Harry Winks (Tottenham), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Mason Mount (Chelsea).

Forwards: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Tammy Abraham (Chelsea), Harvey Barnes (Leicester), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Danny Ings (Southampton), Harry Kane (Tottenham).