It’s the first international break of 2024 but, for once, it hasn’t been met with complete apathy.
For starters, it came at a perfect time for Manchester City who could use the two weeks off intense action while Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Ederson recover from injury.
With a massive Premier League clash against Arsenal coming up next week, Pep Guardiola needs as many of his players fit as possible.
But there is also a budding optimism surrounding England, who have two exciting friendlies with Brazil and Belgium this week as they prepare for Euro 2024.
The Three Lions have a fantastic squad brimming with talent and are one of the favourites to win the tournament.
City are one of the biggest contributors to it with Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker all included.
However, the talk of the town has all been squared on Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo and his inclusion could spell bad news for Foden.
Phil Foden could miss out on dream position again
It’s no secret at this stage that Foden sees himself as a central player. It’s where he has always wanted to play and he has dazzled there when finally given a chance to by Guardiola this season.
Talking to Sky Sports after his hat-trick against Brentford from midfield, Foden said: “I’m a person that adapts and plays a lot of positions when needed.
“I know I will do that with Manchester City and have to be ready.
“I’m enjoying playing in the middle and that’s where I see myself.
“Hopefully, I can get more game time playing there.”
As of yet, those hopes haven’t really come to pass. Foden has largely been sent back out to the flanks in recent weeks, with many supporters dismayed to see Julian Alvarez play centrally instead of him.
Yet, there have still been growing calls for the 23-year-old to play in midfield for England.
A trio of Foden, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice sounds tantalising but the chances of it happening have now plummeted.
Where Foden could play for England at Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate has previously relied on Guardiola not playing Foden in midfield as an excuse not to do so himself.
The Three Lions boss can no longer rely on that crutch when, in reality, he has never wanted to name two very attack-minded players in the middle and Bellingham is a guaranteed starter.
But with Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson seeing their form nosedive over the last two years, his usual options are running dry. Potentially opening the door for Foden.
However, it could now well have been slammed shut thanks to the emergence of Mainoo.
The 18-year-old has all the skills and qualities Southgate could want to complete his midfield and, if he impresses this week, might play himself into the starting XI in Germany.
If that’s the case, Foden will likely find himself back on the left flank.
It’s not the worst place to be, as he would still make up a sensational England side that could win the trophy, but it’s certainly not where he sees himself.