Manchester City

Welcome back to Sky Blue News.It's your Friday morning dose of what's trending around the web.It was interesting that Southgate explained his reluctance to play Foden in midfield on the basis that he does not play there for Manchester City.Since operating deeper against Hungary last year, the England boss has started him six times on the right wing.

Manchester City can look forward to the early return of two key players as Belgium and Germany both made early exits from the World Cup.Kevin de Bruyne's Belgium were the first to depart as they finished third in their group following a goalless draw with Croatia.Belgium won of their three matches while Morocco, who were expected to make an early exit, won the group.

With Gerard Pique retiring from football and Sergio Ramos overlooked for the World Cup squad, 2022 has been the end of an era for Spanish centre-backs.Luis Enrique took some criticism for not calling up Ramos  the most capped player in Spain's history  but the manager stuck to his guns and deserves credit for doing so.

Manchester City 's England stars were instrumental as the Three Lions progressed to the knock-out stage of the World Cup in Qatar.Phil Foden was on target for his third England goal, while Kalvin Phillips' second-half appearance set up the third.Manager Gareth Southgate came under fire for failing to play Foden in the draw against the United States, with the England boss claiming he would have had to play the City man in an unfamiliar position.

Facing questions concerning the absence of Phil Foden as England battled to an uninspiring goalless draw against the United States, Gareth Southgate assured that he was going to play a key role for the Three Lions in the World Cup.The City midfielder-turned-winger was restored to the starting line-up against Wales on Tuesday night.

Manchester City are yet to get the best of Kalvin Phillips since the England international moved to the Etihad Stadium last summer.He has played little football for the club since making his competitive debut in the 2-0 opening day league win away at West Ham.First, he was kept out by in-form Rodri, who is currently in the form of his life.

Being at the right club at the right time with the best conditions of service is the desire of every football manager.Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have been like a perfect match.But that has not insulated them from the highs and lows of the game.Despite winning the biggest trophies on offer in England, the club has not been able to win its most sought-after piece of silverware, under the Catalan manager.

No goals.No assists.And Belgium on the brink of an early exit, the World Cup is not going well for Kevin De Bruyne and the Belgian national team.Ranked as the second best team in the world at the moment by FIFA, The Red Devils were expected to challenge for the title.The country parades some of the best players in the world at the moment drawn from top European clubs like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola admits he would be open to a Barcelona return 'if I thought I was essential' but insists he feels 'very good' at Manchester City after signing a new contract last week
Pep Guardiola has claimed he would consider a return to Barcelona if he thought he was essential, but the Manchester City boss has insisted he feels at home with the reigning Premier League champions.

The draw for the third round of the FA Cup has been made and City will face Chelsea again to progress to the next round.Just as it was in the League Cup, City will welcome the Stamford Bridge outfit to Manchester, meaning the two teams will play each other at least four times this season.In theory, the two teams could play each other seven times in a solitary season.

Manchester City have confirmed three new dates for matches to be played in the New Year.Two of the matches, against North London duo Spurs and Arsenal, were cancelled earlier in the year and will be played within the first few weeks of 2023.City's home defeat match against Spurs, which was cancelled due to the death of Quen Elizabeth II, will now be played on Thursday 19th January with an 8pm kick-off.