Having been part of the team that achieved Ireland's first qualification for a major tournament since 2002, Foley was initially named in Giovanni Trapattoni's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2012. However, he suffered problems with a hamstring during pre-tournament preparations and then did not make the final list. Foley said he "felt betrayed" by Trapattoni's decision to exclude him on the morning of the squad submission. His replacement, Paul McShane, did not play a game at the tournament. Foley has not yet returned.