Scott Carson supports Phil Foden in his comeback after World Cup miss

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Scott Carson has spoken at length about Phil Foden and Nico O'Reilly's different situations ahead of this summer's World Cup. Despite a promising role for Manchester City compared to the 2024/25 season, helping the club to a double win in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup under Pep Guardiola, the 26-year-old midfielder has largely found himself on the sidelines. For a player who has spent the last five years playing at the top level of domestic and European football, this unexpected summer marks his first extended competitive break since making his first-team debut for Manchester City.

In stark contrast, this summer's World Cup has opened the door to a new generation, thrusting 21-year-old City academy graduate Nico O'Reilly into the global spotlight. O'Reilly's meteoric rise from star in the Elite Development Squad to a regular on Manchester City's left flank has caught the eye of manager Thomas Tuchel, potentially making him the national team's starting left-back.

As England battle through a tough group stage against Croatia, Panama and Ghana in the intense heat of North America, the youthful energy of City's newest starlet has transformed him from a squad option to a crucial figure for the Three Lions. Speaking in a new chat with BetVictor, who are bidding 100/1 on England winning the World Cup, former Manchester City goalkeeper Scott Carson spoke about the positive impact Foden's absence in North America could have on the midfielder. "It's probably a big blow for him to miss the World Cup, but hopefully he can get some time to relax, clear his head and come back for a fresh new season," Carson said. “I've seen him day in and day out and he's just one of those players who has something extra, where he can make you win the game out of nowhere,” he added.

Another Manchester City star preparing to make his big competitive debut at senior level for England is Nico O'Reilly, who is widely expected to be Thomas Tuchel's starting left-back throughout the tournament. "He was around the squad for two years. Halfway through the season before last season he played a few Carabao Cup games and FA Cup, and the only game I remember was against Bournemouth, he was playing on the left flank and he was just going up and down, I think he scored a goal and from then on he just seems to have kept going," Carson said of O'Reilly. He added: "To have the season he's had for a young boy like him in this top Man City team is unbelievable. He's more than ready for the World Cup. When you play for Manchester City there are big games and constant pressure like it will be in the World Cup. That's what he has.

“He's a bit shy and keeps a bit of a low profile, but when he's on the field or training, when a tackle needs to be made, he's there. I've been watching from afar this season and I'm so excited about how well he's done. The long-term implications of the summer could impact Manchester City's tactical planning under incoming manager Enzo Maresca. And a hungry Phil Foden that oneComing back fully rejuvenated for preparation can give him an edge to make an immediate impact. As for Nico O'Reilly, he is likely to need an extended rest period later in the summer to recover from intense international efforts, which could leave Maresca with a headache over who starts at left-back when the season starts in August. Despite the negativity surrounding Phil Foden's performances for Manchester City over the last two seasons, club officials are expected to place their faith in their prized academy graduate by offering him an extended contract in the coming weeks.