Phil Foden Left Out of England Squad for Semifinal Match Against Argentina

Phil Foden Left Out of England Squad for Semifinal Match Against Argentina

Phil Foden, the Manchester City star, has been left out of England's squad for the semifinal match against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.

What Happened?

On Wednesday, July 15, England faced Argentina in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT. Foden, one of the Premier League's most gifted attacking players, was not included in the starting lineup.

Why Was Phil Foden Left Out?

Foden's attacking output has dropped considerably over the past two seasons. He scored 42 goals in all competitions between the start of the 2022-23 season and the end of 2023-24, but managed just 23 across the next two campaigns. This dip in form, combined with England's wealth of options in attacking midfield, ultimately led to Foden's exclusion from the squad.

What Does This Mean for Phil Foden?

Foden's omission from the squad has sparked questions about his form and the team's selection process. England boss Thomas Tuchel has emphasized the importance of building a team that is greater than the sum of its individual talents. "From day one we were clear we were trying to build the best possible team, which is not necessarily the 26 most talented players," Tuchel explained.

What's Next for England?

England will face Argentina in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to the final match. The Three Lions will be looking to overcome the challenge posed by Argentina and secure a spot in the final.

England vs Argentina: Kickoff Times and How to Watch

The semifinal match between England and Argentina will be available for U.S. viewers to watch on Fox Network, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Universo, Fox One, and fubo. The match will take place on Wednesday, July 15, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.

Category: player_focus