PHIL FODEN has proven he is the ultimately family man after departing England’s Euro squad for the birth of his third child.
The Manchester City star, 24, flew home yesterday for a “pressing family matter” as partner Rebecca Cooke, 22, prepares to welcome another kid to their household.
Fans are now praying that Foden makes it back to Germany in time for England’s last-16 clash against Slovakia on Sunday.
Along with teammates, the playmaker has come under fire for some underwhelming performances at this summer’s tournament.
But Foden’s dedication and effort when it comes to his loved ones cannot be questioned.
The Treble winner and Rebecca are childhood sweethearts from school who reportedly met at a party in Stockport.
They already share two children together in son Ronnie, 5, and daughter True, 2
And the loved-up couple announced they were expecting a third kid with a baby shower in April.
Foden has now raced to be by Rebecca’s side at her hour of need, when it is usually her making the arduous journeys around Europe to watch him play football.
And he will be ready for another “special moment” after previously revealing he cried when first child Ronnie was born.
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Foden said: “I was there for the birth. I walked out of the room, gave it a little tear and then went back in like nothing happened.
“I’m not one for crying in front of people. I like to be on my own but I was there in the room, watched it happen and it was a special moment.”
Meanwhile, son Ronnie is sure to pass the time in the hospital with his social media stardom, as the sprog boasts an incredible four MILLION followers on Instagram.
He made headlines last month when he cheekily tried opening a bottle of champagne as City celebrated their latest title triumph.
And grandparents Phil and Claire will likely lend a helping hand after Foden bought them a lavish £2.8million mansion in 2018.
The trio all bunked together in the upmarket Cheshire house until Foden moved out in 2021.
He then splashed £3m on another mansion in nearby Prestbury, where he now resides with Rebecca and their children.
Foden and his family live just five minutes away from his parents, ensuring they remain a tight-knit unit.
And it also means the Premier League Player of the Year can continue to enjoy a spot of fishing with his dad.
From carp to catfish, the pair love reeling in anything with gills.
And six-time title winner Foden even skipped City’s 2018 celebrations to go on a pre-planned fishing trip with his father.
Indeed, the ace has taken his love for a rod and reel to England’s training base in Germany for the Euros.
Foden claims to have caught a number of monsters in the nearby lakes, saying: “I’ve had a little bit of time to go fishing, so it’s been nice.
“(I’ve caught) some big ones, I’ve caught some nice fish.”
However, Foden admits his love for fishing is not shared by teammates.
He previously revealed: “Probably about 95 per cent of the football lads don’t enjoy it.
“The odd one likes fishing, so when people find out they said ‘what a weird sport to enjoy’. They don’t understand why you enjoy it.
“Obviously they need to go and try it. I think it’s the perfect hobby to rest your legs and have some down time.”
But Foden insists he will never fall out of love with fishing as it gives him time to appreciate his relationship with dad Phil Sr.
He added: “I was probably about six or seven and my dad had a fishing rod of his dad’s, and said we should go and try it out.
“I fell in love with it and we ended up going every weekend. I still remember my first catch.
“It wasn’t very big, I was just learning. But it’s the excitement of when you get one for the first time.
“I think that’s the buzz that makes you want to go again, but it’s also a chance to chill and relax and spend time with my dad.
“I think it’s really good after games when you have to rest your legs and I just find it really enjoyable.
“There’s tactics. Knowing in which spots to fish, knowing where the fish are, fishing at different lengths.
“There’s a lot behind it but when I get the odd day off, I fish simple. I’m not a specialist at it but I still manage to catch.
“I generally love all types of sport, but I don’t do any others apart from fishing.”
