Alan Shearer has voiced concern about Phil Foden after the midfielder struggled to make an impression in Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton.
Despite Pep Guardiola’s side coming from behind to secure their place in the final, Foden endured a quiet outing, featuring for just 58 minutes before being substituted.
The England international’s performance has added to growing scrutiny over a season that has yet to hit consistent heights.
Foden’s campaign began with disruption following an early ankle injury, and his return did little to immediately restore his influence.
He managed only one goal in his opening 10 Premier League appearances, although a brief resurgence between late November and mid-December – during which he scored six goals in four matches – hinted at a return to form.
Since finding the net against Crystal Palace on December 14, however, the 25-year-old has failed to score again in the league.
His reduced output has been reflected in team selection, with Guardiola opting to leave him on the bench in each of City’s last four league fixtures.
Shearer questions Foden’s confidence
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer suggested that Foden’s display against Southampton pointed to a deeper issue with confidence.
“It was a bit of a tough first half because I thought Man City were really poor, I thought they were a bit rusty because he [Guardiola] changed the team around and put lots of players who had not had a lot of football in the past few months.
“Phil Foden being one and them and I’d be really concerned. I felt for him actually, I felt really sorry for him because he looked lost. He looked bereft of any belief or confidence.”
The former striker, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest goalscorers, indicated that Foden’s body language and lack of influence were particularly striking given his established quality.
The midfielder attempted to drift across attacking areas but struggled to assert himself or dictate play.
World Cup concerns begin to emerge
Shearer also warned that Foden’s current struggles could have implications beyond club football, particularly with 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to be closely monitoring players’ form in the build-up to the tournament.
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“He sort of started on the right, tried to come in midfield and get in the middle of the park, get on the ball, and really didn’t do anything before he was subbed off in the second half.
“It’s not a good look for him and I feel a bit sorry for him, particularly with the World Cup coming up. With his ability and what he’s done already in the game, he just looked lost yesterday [Saturday], really did.”
Foden has yet to score for City in 2026, and although he featured for England during the March international break, questions remain over his current standing.
If his performances do not improve in the closing stages of the season, competition for places could intensify, placing his role in England’s World Cup squad under increasing doubt.
