Phil Foden is described by former England and Manchester City player Maheta Molango as a “victim” of football’s demanding calendar and the knock-on effects it has on international selection. Molango’s remarks center on the contrast between Foden’s strong individual form and recognition and his absence from this summer’s World Cup squad. Foden, a Manchester City midfielder, is named by one outlet as the recipient of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 2024. Despite that accolade, he is not selected for the tournament. The coverage frames the issue as part of a broader tension in the sport between club demands, player workload and timing, and the selection decisions made for major international competitions. While the reports focus on Molango’s critique, they do not present additional details about the selection rationale beyond the fact that Foden does not make the World Cup squad.