England attacker Phil Foden leaves his country’s Euro 2024 camp to return home for the birth of his third child.
England attacker Phil Foden has flown back to the United Kingdom for the birth of his third child.
Foden has started each of England’s three group games, helping his country top the group despite concerns about the team’s performances.
The Manchester City star played the majority of Tuesday’s goalless draw with Slovenia before being replaced in the closing stages by Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
After taking five points from three matches, England will now turn their focus to Sunday’s last-16 tie which will take place against the Netherlands or the third-placed side from Group E.
However, Foden is not currently part of those preparations after the Football Association confirmed that he has returned to the UK to attend to a “pressing family matter”.
![England's Phil Foden in action on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/phil-foden_1.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "England's Phil Foden in action on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Foden leaves England Euro 2024 camp
An FA spokesperson said: Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter.’
The 24-year-old is understood to have returned home to be with his partner Rebecca Cooke for the birth of their third child.
Gareth Southgate is said to have given Foden permission to temporarily leave the England camp due to the five-day break between the final group game and Sunday’s last 16 tie.
As it stands, England are hopeful that Foden will return to Germany in time to play a role in Sunday’s fixture in Gelsenkirchen.
© Reuters
Will Foden start in the last 16
While he is expected to be available for the weekend, the extent of Foden’s involvement may depend on how long he is away from the England camp.
Southgate will be working with his players in the coming days to develop a tactical setup that will give England the best chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.
The England boss will likely give priority to the players who are able to play a full role in preparations for the last-16 fixture.
If Foden is not involved from the start, Gordon could come into the side to offer a natural wide option on the left flank.
Alternatively, Southgate could put Saka over to the left and allow Chelsea’s Cole Palmer to work off the right side.
There is also the possibility that the England boss could bring Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Ezi the chance to line up on the left wing.