PHIL FODEN is flying back to the UK for the birth of his third child.
But the playmaker is expected to be back with the England squad ahead of their last 16 clash on Sunday.
He left camp today over a family matter and SunSport understands it was to be with girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, who has been expecting their third child.
Foden, 24, and his childhood sweetheart enjoyed a lavish baby shower in April.
The Manchester City star and Rebecca, 22, posed for a cute snap with their two kids Ronnie, four, and True, one, in hand.
Rebecca tends to keep out of the spotlight and has her Instagram account set to private.
She has been spotted joining England’s Wags at tournaments in the past.
Foden started all three of England’s Group C matches against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.
Many fans are calling for him to move into the No10 position behind Harry Kane.
It is the second successive tournament an England player has been forced to fly home for a personal matter.
Raheem Sterling left the camp at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after his home was burgled.
He later returned to the squad and came off the bench in the 2-1 defeat to France.
England fans spotted a fuming Foden “going mad” at Kieran Trippier during England’s drab draw with Slovenia.
While footballer of the year Foden has not made as much of a splash as he would like on the field, he has enjoyed success off it in Germany.
The keen angler has made the most of the lakes at the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort where the Three Lions are situated.
He told FA show Lions’ Den: “I’ve had a little bit of time to go fishing, so it’s been nice.
“(I’ve caught) some big ‘uns, yeah! I’ve caught some nice fish.”
JUDE BELLINGHAM delivered a masterful, super-hero performance in the opening 45 minutes at Euro 2024, writes Charlie Wyett.
Yet we have not seen much from the boy wonder since.
Maybe he left his cloak in the dressing room at Gelsenkirchen and is still looking for it.
But he needs to discover in time for the last 16 tie this weekend otherwise England are knackered.
Approaching the serious part of Euro 2024, this team really does need to get a grip and start showing some personality.
At times against Slovenia, Bellingham just looked lost.
Let’s hope he can sprinkle some stardust in the knockout stages because Gareth Southgate certainly needs something.
Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.
Read Charlie Wyett’s England vs Slovenia verdict in full.
Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 stories.
