Phil Foden will not wear an England shirt this month, despite being in peak form, after Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad announcement on Tuesday omitted the Manchester City playmaker. The 24-year-old, who has started every Premier League game for City this season, was the most high-profile omission as Southgate prioritised defensive stability ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovenia and Denmark.
Sources within the Football Association and City’s inner circle confirm that Southgate’s decision was not a technical one but a direct response to the Premier League champions’ relentless schedule. With just 13 days between City’s Champions League final defeat to Inter Milan and their Premier League opener against Burnley on August 12, medical staff at the Etihad have privately raised concerns over player workload.
City manager Pep Guardiola has previously warned about the dangers of fixture overload, labeling the 2023-24 season as “the toughest he has ever experienced.” His concerns are now echoed by senior figures at the club, who point to a worrying trend: Foden has played 5,842 minutes this season—more than any outfield player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Key Points
- ⚠️ Foden misses England squad amid fixture overload warnings
- ⚡ City’s 13-day gap between UCL final and PL opener raises injury fears
- 📊 Foden has logged 5,842 minutes—a European high this season
The England camp is aware of the potential fallout. Southgate has insisted his selection is “performance-based,” but insiders admit the fixture calendar played a decisive role. With City facing Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea in their first six Premier League matches, Guardiola’s squad depth will be tested early. Sources say the Catalan has already requested additional medical support for the squad’s international window.
Foden’s exclusion marks the second consecutive international break he has missed, despite being the Premier League’s assist king with five goals and seven assists in six games. His omission has reignited debates over England’s squad rotation policy, which has left key Premier League stars sidelined during critical moments.
| Fixture Type | 2022-23 Load | 2023-24 Load |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 38 games | 38 games |
| UEFA Champions League | 13 games | 12 games |
| FA Cup/EFL Cup | 7 games | 6 games |
The numbers reveal a stark increase in physical demand. Foden’s total minutes this season exceed his 2022-23 tally by 412, with Champions League knockout rounds adding an extra physical toll. City’s medical team has flagged a 30% rise in soft-tissue injuries during the second half of the season, a period that coincided with Foden’s most consistent run of form.
📋 By The Numbers
- 412 — Extra minutes Foden played in 2023-24 vs 2022-23
- 30% — Increase in soft-tissue injuries at City since January
Guardiola is not alone in his concerns. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Liverpool’s Arne Slot have both publicly criticized the congested schedule, calling for a winter break and reduced Champions League matches. The Premier League’s refusal to adopt a winter break has kept clubs in a perpetual cycle of recovery.
For Foden, the exclusion is a bitter pill. He was instrumental in City’s treble-winning campaign last season and has been earmarked as a future England captain. Yet for now, his focus must shift to club football—a decision that could reshape his international future.
💡 Pro Tip
Clubs should stagger squad rotations during congested periods rather than waiting for injuries to force decisions. Early intervention reduces long-term physical and financial risks.
The FA has declined to comment on Foden’s omission, but Southgate’s squad choices suggest a shift in philosophy. With Euro 2024 looming, England’s ability to manage their stars’ workload may now be as critical as their tactical approach.