'Foden needed a big performance... it did not happen'
- Published
Phil Foden's World Cup audition ended painfully with the consoling arm of England head coach Thomas Tuchel around his shoulder.
The 25-year-old's face was a picture of hurt, primarily from a dreadful challenge by Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo that left him clutching his ankle, but also after a display that left his chances of making the cut for this summer's showpiece in the balance.
The Manchester City forward was given the opportunity to strike first in the fight for a fiercely competitive number 10 position as he started ahead of Chelsea's Cole Palmer.
Instead, Foden failed to make any impact, suffering in an over-crowded area against a gifted and uncompromising Uruguay side, often forced to drop deep to little effect in the 1-1 draw.
The worst-case scenario is he may have missed his last big chance to force his way to the forefront of Tuchel's thoughts as he finalises his World Cup plans.
Palmer, meanwhile, delivered a lively cameo in which he fashioned a glorious chance which substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin somehow headed wide from six yards, and then set up Ben White's goal with a corner.
Foden is currently fighting on two fronts, to secure a regular place in City's team under Pep Guardiola, as well as reviving an England career which has lost momentum.
He has started 21 out of City's 30 Premier League games this season, but his form has faded following a bright beginning.
Foden needed a big performance against Uruguay to make an impression in areas of the team where Tuchel has plenty of quality to choose from.
It did not happen. He was peripheral at best.