Phil Foden leaves UK to rejoin England camp at Euro 2024 after welcoming third child
Phil Foden will be available to play on Sunday
REUTERS
Phil Foden's girlfriend Rebecca Cooke has given birth to a baby boy with the Manchester City winger now returning to Germany ahead of England's Euro 2024 last-16 tie against Slovakia.
Foden left the England camp after their final group game against Slovenia, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
The FA announced Foden had returned to the UK due to a 'pressing family matter'.
It was later reported that he had flown back to be with his family for the birth of his third child.
Phil Foden will be available to play on Sunday
REUTERS
His long-time partner Rebecca has given birth to a baby boy and Foden is now expected back in Germany on Thursday evening.
England play their last-16 tie against Slovakia on Sunday at 5pm, giving Foden time to get back involved in the training camp and put himself in contention to start.
He started all three group games as England topped their group but struggled to make an impact out on the left wing.
Foden often drifted inside to his favoured central role, which is currently occupied by Jude Bellingham.
Gary Lineker has taken aim at Gareth Southgate for letting the pair continuously interchange as he suggests it is hurting both players.
"I think he’s spoken to Bellingham and Foden and said, 'Right, OK, you keep swapping. One goes left and then one goes in the 10'," Lineker said after the game against Slovenia.
"But that’s a strange thing to do, isn’t it, throughout the whole game?
"First half, and even in the second half, I saw sometimes Bellingham’s on the left-hand side.
Phil Foden started all three group games
REUTERS
"Jude, he’s had a bad night. Having had a great opening game, he’s struggled since.
"I think he chases lost causes a lot. Sometimes, you can see him sprinting.
"I understand why because he’s so determined to help the team, but I think sometimes you’ve got to reserve your energy a little bit. But that’s experience. He’s only 20."
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Phil Foden travelled back home for the birth of his third child
GETTY
There have been calls for Southgate to change things in attack given the lack of goals in England's group games.
But the Three Lions still got the job done by topping their group and have landed in the better side of the draw.
A win against Slovakia will see England face either Switzerland or Italy.
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