England are facing Spain in their opening match of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, but one notable name is missing from Thomas Tuchel’s squad: Phil Foden.
The Manchester City star is not playing for England against Spain today, September 26, 2026, because he was not selected for England’s squad for the opening Nations League international window.
Why Is Phil Foden Not Playing for England vs Spain?
Foden’s absence is a selection decision rather than a reported injury withdrawal.
England manager Thomas Tuchel did not include Foden in his original squad for the September and October international fixtures. That means Foden was never scheduled to be part of the England team taking on Spain at Wembley.
The decision is particularly noticeable because Foden has been one of England’s most prominent attacking players in recent years and remains a major figure for Manchester City.
Was Phil Foden Injured?
Foden was not listed as one of the players who subsequently withdrew from England’s squad because of injury.
Instead, his absence dates back to Tuchel’s original squad selection. Therefore, unlike several other England players unavailable for the Spain match, Foden did not pull out after initially receiving a call-up.
Why Wasn’t Foden Called Up After England’s Injuries?
England experienced several squad changes ahead of the Nations League opener, but Tuchel still did not turn to Foden.
Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento were among the players affected by injuries, creating opportunities for replacement call-ups.
However, Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner were among the players brought into the England squad, while Foden remained outside the group.
That further indicates that Tuchel’s decision regarding Foden was based on how he wanted to construct his squad for this particular international window.
Is Phil Foden in England’s Squad vs Spain?
No. Foden is not part of England’s match squad for the Nations League meeting with Spain.
England still have several attacking options available, including Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers.
Tuchel will therefore have to find a way through Spain without Foden’s creativity and ability to operate across several attacking positions.
Could Phil Foden Return to the England Squad?
Foden’s omission from this squad does not necessarily mean he has fallen out of England’s long-term plans.
International managers regularly make changes based on form, tactics, fitness, workload and the opposition. Foden could return for a future international window if Tuchel decides to bring him back into the squad.
For now, however, the key reason Phil Foden isn’t playing for England vs Spain today is that Thomas Tuchel did not select him for England’s opening 2026-27 UEFA Nations League squad.
England vs Spain Match Details
Match: England vs Spain
Competition: 2026-27 UEFA Nations League
Matchday: Matchday 1
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Location: London, England
England begin their latest Nations League campaign against one of Europe’s strongest opponents, but they will have to do so without Phil Foden in the lineup.