Pep Guardiola backs Phil Foden for England recall after dazzling double against Dortmund

LONDON – Phil Foden’s brilliant double in Manchester City's dominant 4-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday was not just a statement for his club, but may well have been a timely reminder to England manager Thomas Tuchel.

City boss Pep Guardiola praised the 25-year-old, who struggled through a difficult campaign last season but now looks revitalised, and backed the midfielder, who has not played for England since March, for a return to Tuchel's squad.

Tuchel will name his squad next week for World Cup qualifying games against Serbia and Albania. Asked whether Foden’s performance could boost his chances of a return to the England squad, Guardiola was diplomatic, but pointed.

"Thomas is so smart and wise, and knows exactly what national team needs," he said.

"Thomas knows perfectly well how good Phil is. (But) the national team is different, it is a short time, create a team when you are not a team, because you are not there all together every day.

"But come on, Phil – there's no person in this country and all around the world who doesn't know his quality and ability. But England is so lucky to have many good players. That's why Phil has to push himself to be better and better and better, because when he is called, he can say 'Okay, I'm going to show how good I am'."

Asked if Foden was on his way back to top form, Guardiola added: "He is already there.

"He does not need to get closer... It is true we have missed goals and he got two incredible goals. How many times have we seen that from Phil? The generosity with the effort but also with the quality in the final third. We missed it a lot.

"When Phil is in the level, when playing between the lines, in the pockets... his first touch, his turn, and after his generosity, running and fighting, as much as Phil is happy and (feeling) love and joy, the rest, you don't have to say much, because he's a special player.”

Foden, meanwhile, said he was loving playing again.

"I just need to play with a smile on my face, which I'm doing," he told TNT Sports. "Last year was tough, not just for myself but for everyone. There is a new togetherness this season and you can tell. 

"You learn a lot from it when you go through a tough patch. We have great captains in our team and we speak about how we can get back on track. And we've added great players to the squad as well and that's brought real hunger and togetherness.”

Named captain for the night, Erling Haaland led from the front and showed no mercy to his former employers with his 27th goal for club and country in just 17 games this season.

Waldemar Anton’s consolation was the least Dortmund deserved for a late rally but Rayan Cherki rounded off the scoring for City in stoppage time.

Guardiola also said Foden's standout performance was perfect timing with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool visiting on Sunday.

"Before the big, big match on Sunday, it is important to have him back,” he said.

For the first time one nation has six sides in Europe’s elite competition and all of City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea are among the top 12 halfway through the league phase.

Newcastle secured a third successive Champions League victory with Dan Burn and Joelinton both on target in a 2-0 defeat of injury-plagued Athletic Bilbao

England defender Burn curled in a majestic header after 11 minutes and Joelinton doubled the Magpies’ lead shortly after the restart with another header. REUTERS, AFP