Why Phil Foden has returned to UK with England relaxed over Euro 2024 return
Phil Foden has left the England camp and returned home.
His partner Rebecca Cooke is expecting their third child and the Football Association have confirmed Foden is returning home for a “pressing family matter.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recently confirmed that 24-year-old Foden is going to be a dad again and even said he thinks being a father and settling down will help his maturity on the pitch. Guardiola said: “I would love him to go in sixth gear in every single action but afterwards you are less precise, you lose the ball all the time and that is not effective.
“You have to reduce the time so you know the moments when you have to be more aggressive and calm. But it’s a question of time.
“He can improve a lot and has improved a lot from the beginning of the season and from the previous seasons. Maybe with the third kid that is coming for his family, that will help him.”
His son Ronnie also said on social media that the family were expecting a new arrival. It is not yet known when Foden will return to Germany but the hope is that he will be back for Sunday’s last 16 and in the build-up to the game.
England midfielder Phil Foden arriving in Germany for Euro 2024
Foden has started all three of England's matches at Euro 2024
Foden is hugely proud of his family and roots and putting them first ahead of football. It is understood there is no need for alarm. He was man of the match against Slovenia and has played well in the tournament despite being on red alert to fly home if needed.
The FA said in a statement: “Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter.”
England will be keen to get him back when time allows because Foden has just enjoyed the best season of his life, winning a fourth consecutive title and being voted Premier League Player of the Year as well as the Football Writers’ Association award.
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