[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Phil Foden watched a World Cup match at a village pub. Reports state that Foden, who failed to make England’s World Cup squad, showed up at a village pub in Oxfordshire to watch England take on Mexico alongside roughly 100 fans, leaving the venue’s patrons unable to believe their eyes. The 26-year-old Manchester City attacking midfielder attended an F1 event earlier that day before slipping quietly into the quiet tavern ahead of kickoff to watch the game with his friends. The atmosphere inside was electric, and England eventually beat Mexico 3-2 to advance to the quarter-finals. Foden drank a bottle of Coca-Cola, happily posed for photos with local supporters, and did not leave until the final whistle. One patron commented: “Everyone was absolutely stunned. It’s amazing that he came to our local community.” Foden has enjoyed a packed summer, which includes a family holiday, fishing trips, F1 appearances and watching matches down at the pub.
The editor believes that Phil Foden’s exclusion from the national squad is not down to a lack of ability. Instead, under the current circumstances, the coaching staff dared not take the risk of naming him in the roster. Manchester City has undergone drastic tactical adjustments over the past two years, which has negatively impacted Foden and gradually pushed him to the fringes of the first team. There is no fault in the player’s hard work, nor is the coach wrong for making his selection calls. It is simply inevitable that someone will lose out when the two sides’ interests clash.