Tuchel Confident In Phil Foden's Ability To Play As Number Nine For England

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Thomas Tuchel is open to using Phil Foden as a backup striker for Harry Kane if needed. Foden was brought back into the England squad for the current international break and made an impact in their 2-0 victory over Serbia. Coming off the bench, he replaced Kane and played 30 minutes as a number nine, assisting Eberechi Eze's goal in the 90th minute and creating another chance that hit the bar.

Tuchel's decision not to include a traditional striker alongside Kane, leaving out Ollie Watkins, sparked discussions. However, Tuchel sees Foden as an ideal alternative if Kane is unavailable. "It's absolutely an opportunity," Tuchel stated. "If Phil stays in his shape and form, I have no problem [playing him as a number nine]." He also mentioned other options like Ollie Watkins and Danny Welbeck, who offer different styles compared to Kane.

This season, Foden has netted four goals for Manchester City across all competitions, second only to Erling Haaland's 19. He has also provided three assists from 4.0 expected assists (xA) and created 38 chances for teammates, more than anyone else in the squad. When asked about Foden potentially challenging Kane if his form continues, Tuchel acknowledged it would be difficult given Kane's current performance level.

"Well, it's a big ask to challenge Harry at the moment—he's in the shape of his life," Tuchel remarked. "The attitude, work rate, quality, and finishing ratio are just out of control." Despite this, Tuchel sees potential for Foden to complement Kane by sharing minutes in crucial matches.

Tuchel had considered Foden's capabilities months ago after facing him in various positions during Premier League matches. He noted Foden's effectiveness with quick movements and runs that made him hard to defend against. "City were so dominant in these little positions," Tuchel said, highlighting Foden's ability to assist through clever plays.

When compiling a list of potential players for the national team, Foden stood out due to his exceptional quality. Although he faced challenges at Manchester City earlier this season, he has since returned to form. Recently playing a deeper role akin to an eight at City, Tuchel expressed interest in seeing him operate closer to the opponent’s box amid heavy traffic.

Tuchel remains optimistic about Foden’s future contributions both at club level and internationally. His adaptability and skill set make him a valuable asset in various tactical setups. As England continues its campaign, having versatile players like Foden could prove crucial in achieving success on multiple fronts.