Pep backs Foden for quick return to England fold

PEP GUARDIOLA expects Phil Foden to make a swift return for England after he was one of a number of eye-catching omissions from Thomas Tuchel's latest squad.

- By IAN PARKER

Tuchel also left out Jude Bellingham and the inform Jack Grealish for matches against Wales and Latvia, with this the third straight England squad Foden has missed.

After falling short of his own highest standards last season the 25-year-old has found better form this term, with two goals and two assists in seven appearances for Manchester City to date.

"Thomas knows what he needs for the national team a thousand million times better than me," Guardiola said. "All I can say is that if Phil is still playing like he is playing, he will be back.

"I am happy when players go to the national team but I am even more happy when they come back healthy, that's for sure."