Thomas Tuchel Gives Phil Foden Fresh World Cup Boost After Stunning Cameo Against Serbia

Phil Foden’s England hopes have flickered back to life after Thomas Tuchel openly praised the Manchester City star’s eye-catching performance as a central forward in England’s 2-0 win over Serbia at Wembley. For a player who has struggled to secure a consistent place in the national team this season, this was a night that could shift the entire conversation around his international future.

Foden played only the final half-hour after replacing Harry Kane, but he made every minute count. His sharp movement, confident touches and clever positioning caused problems for Serbia’s tired defenders, and he capped off the cameo with a brilliant assist for Eberechi Eze’s late goal.

For Tuchel, who has been honest about the challenges of fitting Foden into a team already built around Kane and Jude Bellingham, the performance was something of a revelation. It also arrived at exactly the right moment for a player fighting to re-establish himself in the England setup.

Tuchel: “He has been confident from the first minute”

Speaking after the match, Tuchel could not hide his satisfaction with Foden’s display.

“It was excellent from Phil,” he said. “He has been confident from the first minute he walked into camp, and that was the same with his first touch on the pitch.”

Tuchel has long admired Foden’s intelligence and close control, but this was the first time he tried him as a false nine in England colours — something he had “been thinking about for weeks.”

The former Chelsea boss went on to explain that Foden’s biggest advantage is his ability to thrive in tight spaces:

“He was in the pocket, getting on the half turn and shooting. You couldn’t control him.”

It was a reminder of the havoc Foden caused for Premier League defences during Manchester City’s dominant title runs, when Pep Guardiola frequently used him centrally rather than as a winger.

The Kane and Bellingham dilemma

One of the biggest obstacles in Foden’s England career has always been the structure of the team. Kane is the undisputed No.9, Bellingham has made the No.10 position his own, and both players naturally drift into the same dangerous areas where Foden typically excels.

Tuchel himself once suggested Foden “could not play in the same team” as both of them in their preferred roles.

But his latest comments signal a shift.

“Phil can share the minutes in decisive moments,” he said. “If he stays in this shape and form, it’s no problem.”

That sentence alone will feel like a doorway opening for the 24-year-old.

A timely moment for Foden

Foden’s club form this season has been inconsistent, partly due to injuries and partly due to Manchester City’s tactical adjustments. He has also been used in deeper roles, which has sometimes removed him from goal-scoring positions.

Yet Tuchel’s willingness to push him forward again — and the instant impact he made — could be a turning point.

Statistically, England have lacked variety in attacking options when Kane is not on the pitch. Ollie Watkins and Danny Welbeck remain alternatives, but neither offers the same creativity, unpredictability or ability to drop into midfield without disrupting the team’s balance.

Foden, however, ticks all those boxes.

England’s defensive record continues — but near misses worry Tuchel

While Foden stole the headlines, England’s clean-sheet streak in World Cup qualifying quietly continued. Not a single goal has been conceded during the campaign.

But Tuchel refused to celebrate it.

“I’m superstitious,” he admitted. “One deflected shot after two minutes and we don’t get our record.”

He highlighted discipline and teamwork as the main reasons behind the defensive success.

“The players really buy into this effort of defending,” he said. “You need some luck, but also a good goalkeeper.”

What happens next?

England will now travel to Tirana for their final qualifier against Albania. With qualification already in their hands, Tuchel may use the opportunity to experiment further — and Foden could once again find himself in a central role.

If he performs the way he did against Serbia, he may force his way into England’s World Cup plans not just as a squad option, but as a genuine tactical weapon.

And after months of uncertainty, this could be the rebirth Phil Foden has been waiting for.