England midfielder Phil Foden has left the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 camp in Germany to return to the UK for the birth of his third child. The Football Association released a statement saying the Manchester City player needed to go home due to a “pressing family matter.”
Foden and his partner Rebecca Cooke announced in April on Instagram that they were expecting their third child. The couple already has two children: a son, Ronnie, five, and a daughter, True, two. It is hoped that Foden will rejoin the squad by Sunday, the day of England’s last-16 match at 17:00 BST.
The midfielder, who has 37 caps, has been a key player for England, starting all three of their group games in the tournament so far, including Tuesday’s draw with Slovenia. Gareth Southgate’s side finished top of Group C with five points from three matches.
England’s last-16 tie will take place in Gelsenkirchen, with their opponents to be confirmed after Wednesday’s final group games. The team will be eagerly awaiting Foden’s return as they prepare for the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
