Phil Foden has temporarily left England’s Euro 2024 camp to deal with a personal issue in the UK, as confirmed by the Football Association. The Manchester City forward, who has started all three of England’s Group C games, left to attend to a pressing family matter, which sources indicate is the birth of his third child.
The FA’s statement read: “Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter.” Foden’s girlfriend is reportedly heavily pregnant but faces no complications, and there is optimism that Foden will return in time for England’s last-16 match on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen.
England, having secured the top spot in Group C with a goalless draw against Slovenia, will face one of the four best third-placed teams in the next round. Potential opponents include the Netherlands, or any team finishing third in Group E, such as Romania, Belgium, Ukraine, or Slovakia.
Foden, 24, has been a crucial player for Manchester City, scoring 19 goals and making eight assists as they secured their fourth straight Premier League title. Despite his club success, he has struggled to replicate this form on the international stage, leading to scrutiny of his performances.
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, has defended Foden’s contributions, stating: “I thought Phil did an exceptional job for us. He worked for the team, defended spaces intelligently, and retained the ball in crucial moments.”
England’s performances in the tournament have been criticized, with only two goals scored in three matches. Southgate and the team have faced pressure from fans and journalists, especially after being booed off following the draw with Slovenia. Southgate has urged supporters to back the team despite any feelings towards him.
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