Phil Foden is determined to silence the doubters at Man City

Phil Foden has said that he found his "hunger" during a vacation from football and plans to prove his detractors wrong when the new season begins.

Foden missed England's June internationals after battling to recover from an ankle injury last season.

The 25-year-old also claimed he was exhausted following a difficult season in which he failed to reach his best form.

He was merely a substitute in the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.

Foden made his Club World Cup debut against Wydad AC on Wednesday, scoring his first goal since January in a 2-0 victory at Lincoln Financial Field. 

"The hunger inside me is back and I want to prove people wrong," according to Foden.

"I won't lie; it was a challenging season.  It wasn't the best.  I took a little time off and rested.  Yes, new beginnings, new me.  I am just looking forward to the season.

"I'm happy to get back in with the goals, obviously creating chances as well." 

Foden admitted that, despite feeling exhausted, there was never any doubt that he would be part of City's Club World Cup squad.

He was able to recuperate as England faced Andorra and Senegal before returning to training for the trip to the United States.

"Not a lot of footballers these days get much time off, so it's essential," he told reporters.

"I struggled to turn it off fully.  I just relaxed with my family, did my own thing, and such.  "Yes, I needed it."

Foden, who was named Premier League's best player for the 2023-24 season, is about to enter the final two years of his contract at Etihad Stadium.