Phil Foden’s stunning double against Borussia Dortmund kept Manchester City unbeaten in the UEFA Champions League after four games.
Published November 6, 2025
Phil Foden delivered a powerful reminder to England head coach Thomas Tuchel with his brace of superb goals in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“He’s back,” City manager Josep Guardiola said. “He’s a special player.”
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Tuchel has missed Foden so far this season and is expected to name his latest England squad this week as time runs out before next year’s World Cup.
However, the City forward put in an impressive performance against Dortmund to strengthen his case for a recall. He scored in the first half and second half at the Etihad Stadium, during which star striker Erling Haaland smashed home his 27th of the season. Waldemar Anton scored a goal for Dortmund, and substitute Rayan Cherki added another.
Tuchel is expected to announce his squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania on Friday, with England already qualified.
Foden has rediscovered his best form this season after enduring a disappointing season last season when City surrendered the Premier League title. His goals on Tuesday, both of which were curled low into the bottom corner, increased his season tally to four and may have come at just the right time to catch Tuchel’s attention.
“There’s no one in this country or around the world who doesn’t know his quality and ability, and England are very lucky to have such a good player,” Guardiola said. “There’s a lot going on in his position and that’s why he has to push himself to get better.”
Foden’s absence from England’s four games this season has been a hot topic, with players such as Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon in contention for a spot.
Despite being widely regarded as one of the most talented English players of his generation, Foden remains a consistent performer for England.
And although he was given a chance in Germany’s first game as coach at the beginning of this season, it seems he has yet to convince Tuchel.
“Thomas is very smart and sensible and knows exactly what the team needs,” Guardiola said. “I think Thomas knows Phil perfectly. What Phil wants to do is play better, better, better.”
Haaland achieves new record goal
Haaland set a new scoring standard in the Champions League by scoring in five consecutive games for City in Europe’s elite club tournament.
City say he is the first player to achieve this feat with three different teams, having previously achieved the feat with RB Salzburg and Dortmund.
His latest goal was a powerful strike from close range, making it his 54th goal in 52 Champions League games. Lionel Messi holds the record for reaching 60 goals in the fewest number of games (80), but Haaland is likely set to break that record before the end of the league season in this year’s tournament.
Rodri didn’t even feature on the bench after returning from a hamstring injury against Bournemouth last weekend. Guardiola said City were cautious about the Spain international, but his absence cast doubt on his availability for Sunday’s league match against Liverpool.
Rodri missed most of last season with an ACL injury and his contribution this season has been limited.
