Phil Foden leaves England camp for birth of third child

Phil Foden has left England's Euro 2024 camp to be with his girlfriend for the birth of his third child.

Phil Foden. Pic: PA

The Manchester City midfielder and girlfriend Rebecca Cooke announced they were expecting in April.

It is hoped the 24-year-old will be back with the squad in time for Sunday's last-16 match with Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.

Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett, who is in Germany with the England squad, said: "It is well known that Foden is having a third baby with his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke.

"They confirmed that in April with a baby shower in Stockport and they put some photos on his Instagram account announcing the happy news.

"So, my understanding is that Foden wants to go back and be with his girlfriend for a very short period of time before he comes back out to Germany to continue with England and this tournament."

The Football Association said on Wednesday Foden had left the team's Spa and GolfResort Weimarer Land base to attend to "a pressing family matter".

"Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter," a spokesperson said.

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Foden has started all of England's matches so far helping Gareth Southgate's side finish top of Group C.

He hit the post in England's 1-1 draw with Denmark and has looked lively at times without truly finding the sort of form he has produced for City.

Southgate has struggled to strike the right balance among his wealth of attacking options, with the Three Lions scoring only twice in their three matches.

Foden made his debut for the senior England team in September 2020, and was also part of the side that competed in Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.