England midfielder Phil Foden has departed from the national team’s Euro 2024 camp in Germany to return to the UK due to a family matter concerning the imminent birth of his third child.
The Football Association (FA) confirmed Foden’s departure in a statement, citing a “pressing family matter” that required his immediate attention back home. It is expected that Foden will rejoin the squad ahead of their last-16 match on Sunday, scheduled for 17:00 BST.
Foden, who plays for Manchester City, had announced in April alongside his partner Rebecca Cooke on Instagram that they were expecting their third child. The couple already has two children together, a son named Ronnie, aged five, and a daughter named True, who is two years old.
Despite his impending fatherhood responsibilities, Foden has been a pivotal player for England, starting in all three of their group stage matches at Euro 2024, including their recent draw against Slovenia. Under the leadership of Gareth Southgate, England topped Group C with five points from three games.
England’s upcoming last-16 fixture will be held in Gelsenkirchen, with their opponent to be determined after the conclusion of Wednesday’s final group stage matches.