Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden “is back” after the England international struck twice in a 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Foden, 25, produced a standout performance at the Etihad Stadium, netting his first Champions League brace and reaching 20 goals in the competition. The milestone made him the seventh English player to achieve that mark and the second-youngest after Wayne Rooney.
Guardiola praised the forward’s resurgence, saying the display reflected a broader improvement across the squad following last season’s dip in form, when City finished third in the Premier League and lost the FA Cup final.
“This season, he’s back,” Guardiola said. “Not just Phil — all of us struggled last season. But when Phil is playing between the lines and in the pockets, he’s a special player. We need his goals, and today hopefully is the first step to get them back.”
Foden was named Premier League Player of the Season in 2023–24 after helping City to a record fourth consecutive league title. However, his output declined last term, dropping from 19 league goals to just seven, a slump that saw him left out of England’s recent international squads.
His performance against Dortmund comes at a crucial time, with England coach Thomas Tuchel set to announce his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Guardiola backed Foden to earn a recall, highlighting his technical quality and potential.
“Thomas is very smart and knows exactly what the national team needs,” Guardiola added. “Everyone knows Phil’s quality. England are lucky to have so many talented players, but that means Phil has to keep pushing himself to be better.”
Wednesday’s win moved City to fourth in their Champions League group, bolstering their qualification hopes. For Guardiola, Foden’s revival offers a timely boost as City seek to regain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Foden’s display — marked by sharp movement, pressing intensity, and precise finishing — underlined why he remains central to Guardiola’s attacking plans. If he maintains this level, his return to England’s squad and City’s frontline form appears only a matter of time.
