Phil Foden’s omission from the latest England squad was based on both injury and performance, Thomas Tuchel has revealed.
The Three Lions boss named a 26-man squad on Friday for next month’s matches against Andorra and Senegal.
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Tuchel has recalled Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney to the side but there is no place for Foden.
It comes after the Manchester City midfielder revealed this week that he had asked not to be included.
Foden opened up on a ‘frustrating season’ on the field as he dealt with off-pitch issues.
The 24-year-old said: “Obviously it’s a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner.
“It’s something we have to speak about with the club and national team, to see if it’s better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 percent back how I want it.
“I just don’t know at the moment, it’s a conversation to be had and we’ll see what happens.
“I just need a few weeks off, without playing football, and obviously I can’t get it at the moment. It’s a bit frustrating to play with niggles like this.”
Tuchel has now explained his reasoning for not selecting Foden for the upcoming fixtures.
The former Chelsea boss admitted the City star’s disappointing season was key to his decision.
Discussing the omissions from the squad, Tuchel told talkSPORT: “For Phil it is a little bit different because Phil had a difficult time since last camp.
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“I loved Phil as a person in camp, he was fantastic. I love his talent and the ability that he showed in training with us. He was simply outstanding, there is no doubt about it.
“He struggled even before last camp to show it in the club. He struggled within camp to feel the freedom and the excitement that is part of his game.
“Things were not so easy for him. They became a bit more complicated after the Manchester derby and on a personal level what happened in the Manchester derby with the fans and then also on a physical level that he is still suffering from ankle problems, cannot get rid of that.
“So putting it all in the mix we thought it better, it is the moment now for Phil to take a breath, to not be with us, which was also a very hard call because I admire him a lot and I like him a lot.
“But we thought it is better he takes care about his ankle, gets fully pain free and has no reason for holding back and be fit for the Club World Cup. So it was a mix for Phil between injury and performance wise.”
Foden has scored 10 goals and added six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions for City this season.
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It comes after he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year last season as he inspired his side to a fourth consecutive league title.
Tuchel previously included Foden in his first England squad in March, with the playmaker featuring in both matches and grabbing an assist in the win over Latvia.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola also addressed Foden’s difficulties this season in his press conference on Friday.
The Spaniard said: “That is true, Phil has said that.
“A baby, baby, baby boy from the Academy becoming a star for us, and we want to help him. He needs rest, and it’s going to happen after Sunday, and step by step, it’s going to happen.
“It’s what we want, we want to help, I want to help.
“I don’t care about his performance on the pitch, I want him to feel good and the rest will come in an easy way.”
On Foden being omitted from the England squad, Guardiola added: “For a long time, he has been struggling with his ankle.
“What happens with the international team is down to Thomas Tuchel.”
