Phil Foden heads to Wimbledon after World Cup snub

Phil Foden, overlooked for this summer’s World Cup, watched Wimbledon from the Royal Box on Saturday—sitting alongside former England boss Gareth Southgate as the debate over his England role continues.

Phil Foden arrived at Wimbledon determined to keep his mind off what comes next for England. On Saturday. the Manchester City midfielder found himself in the Royal Box for Centre Court. dressed in a cream suit. taking in the day’s opening match as his World Cup omission still sits uncomfortably in the background.

Foden’s absence from this summer’s tournament was confirmed after he was overlooked by current England boss Thomas Tuchel. It comes after what was described as an indifferent season for his club: the 26-year-old struggled to nail down a spot in Pep Guardiola’s side and scored only seven league goals last season.

Fresh from a family trip to Disneyland, Foden was joined in the Royal Box by his partner Rebecca Cooke. Southgate was also there, again in a cream suit—this time paired with a dark tie—watching Centre Court as Poland’s World No 3 Iga Swiatek faced Alexandra Eala in the opening match of the day.

For Southgate, the day carried its own undercurrent. The former England manager has made no secret of trying to keep a low profile during the World Cup to avoid becoming a distraction to Tuchel’s squad. Yet his presence alongside Foden on a sports stage like Wimbledon served as a reminder of the pair’s complicated history.

Southgate’s relationship with Foden has never been simple. The former England boss faced significant criticism for failing to make Foden fit into his system during his time in charge. and the bond between them appeared to deteriorate towards the end of his spell with the national team. Last year. Foden also linked his struggles at Euro 2024 directly to the way he was used. saying he felt unable to show his best form while being played out of position.

“I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to get out of it,” Foden admitted to the Manchester Evening News. “The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game.”

He continued: “Coming off last season being the best player in the Premier League and playing centre midfield, I do feel the position was quite difficult to get used to.”

“I’m one who can play multiple positions and had to try to deal with it the best I could. I don’t feel like England ever got going or performed to our potential.”

On the same Wimbledon middle Saturday, Foden wasn’t alone in the Royal Box. He was joined by long-term partner Rebecca Cooke, with legendary Dutch footballer Marco van Basten also in attendance. Lionesses stars Michelle Agyemang, Ella Toone and Alex Greenwood completed the football-heavy company.

Wimbledon tradition dictates that the Royal Box is stuffed with sporting stars on the middle Saturday. and the guest list reflected that full breadth. Among other notable names were Sir Ben Ainslie. doubles legends Bob and Mike Bryan. and record-breaking National Hunt jockey Rachael Blackmore. Olympians and Paralympians were also invited. including Sir Chris Hoy. Dave Ellis. Mark Foster. James Guy. Joshua O’Brien. Luke Pollard. Sir Steve Redgrave. Megan Richter and Amy Truesdale. Winter Olympians Tabitha Stoecker and Matthew Weston rounded out a heavily decorated pack.

The timing was striking: while Southgate and Tuchel prepare England for their meeting with Mexico, Foden sat minutes from Centre Court history, surrounded by elite sport, with the unresolved question of his England future still hanging over the day.

Phil Foden Wimbledon Gareth Southgate Thomas Tuchel World Cup omission England Manchester City Centre Court Iga Swiatek Alexandra Eala