England interim boss Lee Carsley faces Phil Foden battle with Man City wanting star RELEASED from international duty
MANCHESTER CITY want England to release Phil Foden from the Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Foden, 24, missed City’s last two games, a 4-1 win over Ipswich and Saturday’s 3-1 victory at West Ham, with a stomach virus.
Yet he was named in England interim coach Lee Carsley’s squad for Ireland in Dublin on Saturday and Finland at Wembley three days later.
The midfielder did not travel to London for the game at West Ham because of illness.
The star’s absence did not slow down the reigning champions, as Erlign Haaland’s hat trick made sure they continued their perfect start to the season.
Jarrod Bowen did force an own goal from Ruben Dias and the Hammers spurned a couple of second-half chances as they fell to their second league defeat of the season.
After the victory, City boss Pep Guardiola, asked if Foden would be available for England, said: “I don’t think so right now.
“He doesn’t feel good, with his stomach and some little virus.
“But people have said that, with anti-biotics, he will be fine.”
Guardiola expects the 24-year-old, the newly crowned PFA Player of the Year, to be fit after the international break.
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After the break, City take on Brentford at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League before an EFL Cup third-round tie against Watford.
Guardiola was more positive over Rico Lewis‘ call-up by Carsley.
He said: “Absolutely, he deserves it [Rico]. I am happy for him, really happy.
“Rico is playing good and had a pre-season so his rhythm is better and that is why he is in the position.”
The Spaniard also gave an update on Kyle Walker, who has been struggling with fitness issues.
He added: “No [I have not spoken to Walker]. But when he is back, it will be soon, and he is an incredible weapon for the national team because he has special qualities.
“But it was late, he arrived back with a few niggles and some problems.
“There are many games for the national team as well, and with his physicality, he has a chance to come back and play well here, and the option to play for the national team remains open.”
Inside humble Phil Foden's family life
By Jon Boon
PHIL FODEN may be flashy on the pitch, but the Premier League’s Player of the Year is a humble family man off it.
The Man City superstar earns an astonishing salary believed to be £11.7million-per-year.
But the Stockport kid is frugal with his cash as he enjoys his down time with childhood sweetheart Rebecca and their two kids.
Foden only passed his driving test last year… and turns up for training in City’s glittering club car park in a £40k VOLKSWAGEN.
And in his spare time he loves nothing more than a FISHING trip.
He celebrated his first big City contract by buying his mum and dad a Cheshire mansion and lives with them until 2021.
But Foden has now splashed out on a luxury £3million mansion for his own growing family.
Click here for to find out all about Foden’s glamorous life…