Thomas Tuchel set for significant decisions on Manchester City’s John Stones and Phil Foden

Two of Pep Guardiola’s English contingent are due for call-ups to the latest England squad, according to a new line of reporting.

Manchester City’s squad has long provided a strong backbone for the England national team, with Pep Guardiola’s coaching seen as a major influence on several players’ international development.

In recent weeks and months, however, call-ups have not always been straightforward for new manager Thomas Tuchel and his predecessor Gareth Southgate, who has had to balance fitness concerns, player welfare, and squad reshaping when selecting their Three Lions call-ups.

Phil Foden’s case has been one of the more complex situations having once been regarded as an England mainstay, but asked not to be included in June as he took time to focus on his mental health following a draining 2024/25 season.

His absence continued last month due to fitness issues in the early stages of Manchester City’s new season. John Stones has also faced his own setbacks, with an untimely injury ruling him out of England’s matches in the previous international window.

This latest development comes at a time when Stones has been the subject of reports regarding a potential contract extension, with City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Pep Guardiola both claimed to be keen to keep him long-term.

Meanwhile, Foden’s focus on regaining his very top form will be crucial for Manchester City in the new season, and his role as the club’s leading No.10 creative midfielder has shown plenty of promise and excitement in the last few matches.

Now, according to the information of The Mirror’s Jeremy Cross, Phil Foden is confident of earning an England recall from manager Thomas Tuchel on Friday ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming games against Wales and Latvia.

Foden had recently asked to be left out of the England squad back in June to work on his mental health off the back of a difficult campaign on and off the pitch for Manchester City, and was not selected last month due to fitness problems.

The report further highlights that Foden’s Manchester City teammate John Stones is also in line for a call-up from Thomas Tuchel, having withdrawn from the last squad due to an injury prior to the opening game against Andorra.

For Foden, a successful reintegration into the England set-up would represent an important milestone in his personal and professional recovery. For Stones, the chance to return and add experience to England’s backline would be vital, with Tuchel believed to be considering a defensive midfield role for the versatile centre-back.

Looking ahead, Manchester City will also be watching closely as Stones’ international minutes must be carefully managed given his injury history over the last 24 months, while Foden’s workload will be a balancing act as he rebuilds confidence and sharpness.

For Pep Guardiola, ensuring his two key English players remain fit and in rhythm will be essential as Manchester City continue to juggle Premier League and UEFA Champions League ambitions over the weeks and months ahead.