Phil Foden’s England struggles have sparked debate, but a Celtic example has already shown how quickly confidence can disappear at the highest level.
Foden is still viewed as one of the top talents in English football, yet his recent displays have raised questions about his confidence.
That drop is difficult to explain on ability alone, which is why the conversation has shifted towards mentality rather than talent.
For Celtic supporters, that discussion is not new, and one former player has already laid out exactly how quickly belief can collapse in Paradise.
Tony Cascarino’s Celtic example shows how quickly belief can disappear
Tony Cascarino arrived at Celtic from Aston Villa in the 90s with a big reputation as one of the hottest strikers in the UK.
But talking to Ally McCoist about Foden’s England struggles, the former Celtic man was passionate as he related his time in Glasgow to the Man City forward’s tough time with his national team.
Ally McCoist said: “Nobody will convince me that that Phil Foden is not one of the great talents that you know of recent years right so what has happened it’s amazing. And it’s an incredible thing to say but you’ll know exactly what I mean and people would scratch their heads but it does look a little bit devoid of confidence at this moment in time. Fans will go, ‘What are you talking about? But it’s amazing once it goes. It’s difficult.”
Tony Cascarino replied: “I’ve been there, Ally.” McCoist responded, “I know, mate.”
Cascarino then said: “I’ve been there. I had it at Celtic. I mean, I’m sure I would have been the butt of a bunch of the jokes at Rangers.
“I had a terrible time at Celtic and I’ve always owned it, but I don’t know why it was so bad. I just played my worst football and I lost total belief in my game at that time.”
McCoist added, “And that’s hard to get back, mate.” Cascarino answered, “Well it was a big challenge.”
McCoist continued: “Yeah, it’s very, very hard to get back. It really, really is and and and I’m genuinely worried. I mean Phil Foden at this moment in time I don’t think he’s on the plane mate.”
That is the part many ignore, Celtic does not just test ability, it exposes mentality immediately
That admission matters because it shows that even experienced players can lose their level completely when confidence drops at Celtic.
Celtic pressure explains why confidence issues matter
The point is not about comparing careers, it is about understanding what happens when belief disappears, and Celtic have already provided a clear example of that process.
Once confidence goes, performances follow, and that is why some players struggle to meet the demands that come with playing for the Parkhead club.
Foden’s situation reinforces that reality, because if a player of his level can look uncertain, it underlines how decisive confidence is in elite football.
Celtic have already shown what happens when confidence goes, and that is why Foden’s situation should not be dismissed.
Playing for Celtic requires a strong mentality, and even some of the world’s most talented players have struggled to cope with the demands of playing for the Parkhead club .
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