Micah Richards backs Phil Foden for England World Cup

A timely reminder

The headline moment was the first assist.

• Foden received with his back to goal and played a backheel through ball for the opener.
• He then helped create City’s second before half-time.
• In a controlled 3-0 win, he looked sharper and more inventive than he has for stretches of the season.

That matters because tournament squads are not built only for the obvious games. They are built for awkward nights too, especially against opponents who defend deep and reduce space between the lines.

Why the profile still matters

The report says Richards accepts Foden may miss out, and that is understandable. His league return of seven goals and five assists is below the standard he has set for himself. Others are pushing hard for similar roles, and Thomas Tuchel is expected to weigh form heavily.

But squad building is about variety as much as hierarchy.

• Foden offers disguise in tight areas.
• He can play the final pass early.
• He gives England a different creative option when possession is high but chances are limited.

That is the core of the argument. Not that he must start, but that he can solve a specific problem.

Selection is about balance

The report says Richards believes Morgan Rogers may be preferred, and that feels plausible given recent momentum. Still, a 26-man squad leaves room for specialists, and Foden’s reading of space remains an elite trait when he is switched on.

The next step now is simple: can he turn one strong night into a convincing finish? With Tuchel preparing to name his squad, every performance from here will feel like an audition.