England star Phil Foden speaks out on Euro 2024 return after birth of third child
Phil Foden was pictured in England training on Friday after returning to the Euro 2024 camp following the birth of his third child.
The Manchester City star returned to the UK following the Three Lions' dire draw with Slovenia on Tuesday night to be alongside girlfriend Rebecca Cooke. The happy couple welcomed a baby boy to their family and the midfielder is now back in Germany.
Foden was seen taking to the training pitch alongside West Ham star Jarrod Bowen. After being welcomed back by England's media team, Foden said: "Thank you." The 24-year-old was understandably in high spirits and will be hoping to retain his spot in the starting XI when England face Slovakia in the last-16 on Sunday.
Foden has two other children with his partner Rebecca Cooke. Son Ronnie was born in 2019, while Foden was still in his teens, while they welcomed a daughter in 2021.
Ronnie, who has become an Instagram celebrity with millions of followers, revealed in April that his parents were expecting a third child. The family posed with a sign reading 'Baby Foden', with a photo shared to Ronnie's Instagram account.
Foden has now rejoined the squad ahead of Sunday’s game against Slovakia as England return to the Veltins Arena, which staged their opening group-stage win over Serbia.
The Football Association announced on Wednesday that Foden had left the team’s Spa and GolfResort Weimarer Land base to attend to “a pressing family matter”.
Phil Foden returned to England training on Friday
“Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter,” an FA spokesperson said.
Manager Gareth Southgate does face a dilemma in midfield as Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped against Slovenia and Conor Gallagher was replaced at half-time. Kobbie Mainoo is a strong contender to start against Slovakia on Sunday after impressing against Slovenia in central midfield.
England are seen as red-hot favourites to see off Slovakia - ranked 45th in the world - and reach the quarter-finals of the Euros.
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