Desperate England fans pray Phil Foden will return in time for team's crunch last-16 Euros tie on Sunday after Three Lions ace, 24, flew home for birth of his third child
- Phil Foden had left the England camp to return home for birth of his third child
- He is expected to be back with the group by Sunday when the team play next
England fans are hoping Phil Foden will return to Germany in time for the Three Lions' crunch match in the last-16 of the Euros after the midfielder flew home today for the birth of his child.
It is understood the attacker’s partner is giving birth to their third baby and Foden is travelling back to the UK to be with his family.
Supporters reacting to the news on X voiced concerns over how the team will cope without one of their 'best players'.
Others prayed for the 24-year-old to return 'as soon as possible', fearing that his absence will hinder Gareth Southgate's men as they face their first knock out game of the tournament on Sunday at 5pm.
But after the team's dismal performance against Slovenia last night, which caused fury among supporters for the second game in a row, many joked the team will likely join Phil back in the UK in a matter of days.
England had already made it through to the last-16 stage with a game to spare, but last night's match means they will avoid France, Spain, Germany and Portugal - and will either face the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Turkey or Georgia.
Phil Foden has flown home from the Euros to be present for the birth of his third child
Supporters reacting to the news on X voiced concerns over how the team will cope without one of their 'best players'
The Football Association have not confirmed the reasons for Foden heading back to England mid-tournament.
The Manchester City star has started all three of England's games at the tournament in Germany so far and is expected to be back by Sunday, when the Three Lions play in the last 16.
An FA spokesperson said: 'Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter.'
Back in April, Foden and his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke revealed they were expecting their third child together. At the time, Foden and his childhood sweetheart celebrated the exciting news with a lavish baby shower and shared photos of the party online.
They share a son Ronnie, five, and daughter True, who recently turned one.
At the time, the couple posed in front of a large blue and white balloon arch and eye catching LED letters that spelt 'baby Foden'.
Ronnie, who has his own Instagram account run by his mother, shared an insight into the celebrations on his social media page.
The post read: 'Had an amazing day with the most important people.'
Foden (left) reportedly visited a psychic with his girlfriend Rebecca (right) before the Euros
The Manchester City midfielder, 23, and his childhood sweetheart, 22, celebrated the exciting news and the cake colour could offer a hint to the gender
Foden and Gareth Southgate chat after the final whistle in Cologne on Tuesday
Foden is pictured smiling in the stands sitting with family after England's 0-0 on Tuesday
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The footballer and Rebecca reportedly met at a party when they were teenagers in Stockport and she has since been seen supporting him at several of his matches.
Foden and his other half visited a psychic prior to the Euros. He was given a tarot card reading by Chloe Smith, 25, but the mystic took to Instagram to insist that she will not be revealing exactly what she told Foden and Cooke.
'A reading is personal and no details of any reading whether a celebrity or not is shared with anyone!' she wrote.
Foden enjoyed a sensational campaign for Manchester City last term, spearheading their title defence and winning the individual honour of Premier League Player of the Season.
Like his team-mates in Germany, he's so far failed to replicate that club form on the big stage at Euro 2024, with England topping their group in spite of three insipid and uninspiring performances.
Foden's own position in the team has come under scrutiny, with many calling for him to either play in the No 10 role or be dropped for a more natural left winger.
Given his absence in the build-up to Sunday's last 16 clash, against an opponent still to be determined, there's a strong chance he will not be involved from the start, with Anthony Gordon waiting in the wings, though it remains to be seen exactly when he will fly back into camp.
