Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Micah Richards has called for Phil Foden to be included in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, arguing that the Manchester City midfielder can produce “magic” when it’s needed.
Foden was the star as City earned a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, with the England international providing two assists including a superb backheel to set up Antoine Semenyo for the opener.
The midfielder picked up the ball with his back to goal and produced a brilliant through ball into the path of Semenyo, who simply had to drag a first-time finish into the far corner to open the scoring.
It set the foundations for a dominant win for City, and Foden had another assist soon after as he helped on Josko Gvardiol’s cross into the path of Omar Marmoush, who added a second before half-time.
Foden set up two goals and was unlucky not to grab a hat-trick of assists (Getty)
It marked a positive performance for Foden at a key part of the season, and perhaps provided a reminder of his talents to Thomas Tuchel as the England boss prepares to name his squad for the World Cup.
And Richards highlighted how Foden’s assist shows that he “brings something different” to the England set-up.
“As it’s a 26-man squad, there are certain games where teams will play a low block and Foden can unlock the door,” says Richards on Sky after full-time.
“I know he’s not had the best of seasons. But in a World Cup, when you need something special, he can produce that,” said Richards as he analysed Foden’s first assist.
“Tuchel likes Morgan Rogers but in terms of passing and football brain I’d be taking Foden. He’s not played well at times for England, it’s not worked for him but he brings something different in a big squad. He’s just got that magic,” added the former City defender.
While Richards was quick to praise Foden, he did conceded that the City man might struggle to make the final England squad after a disappointing season that has yielded just seven goals and five assists in the Premier League.
“I wish he could have showed it more this season. I hope he gets in but I don’t think he gets in. He’d be in my squad,” added Richards.
Tuchel is set to name his final squad for the World Cup on Friday, 22 May, with England set to fly to the USA in early June ahead of pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica on 6 June and 10 June respectively.