Sport

Phil Foden flying home from Euro 2024 for ‘birth of third child’

Football can be put to one side — congrats are in order.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 26th June 2024

Phil Foden has reportedly left the England camp and is said to be flying home to England temporarily from Euro 2024 for the birth of his third child.

The Manchester City and Three Lions star is thought to have already left the national team camp on Wednesday, 26 June following England’s 0-0 draw against Slovenia which saw top Group C.

In an initial statement issued by the Football Association (FA) on behalf of Foden, they said the Stockoprt-born footballer needed to go home because of a “pressing family matter”.

It has now been clarified that his long-term partner Rebecca Cooke has given birth to their third child, according to the BBC. A dad’s got to have priorities.

The attacking midfielder has played as a left-sided forward in all of England‘s group fixtures thus far and looked to have had his brightest performance yet on Tuesday night.

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The 24-year-old, who won Premier League Player of the Season for 23/24, looked to be struggling in the opening two games but nearly grabbed an assist in the final group fixture only for the move to be ultimately ruled out for offside.

It remains unclear how long Foden will be away from the rest of his England teammates but we’re just glad to hear it’s good news. Congratulations, Phil!

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The couple have two children: two-year-old daughter True and first-born son Ronnie, five, who oddly went viral in South America last year and is already a bit of a footballing star himself.

Who knows, maybe this blessed Euros baby is just the kind of positivity we need to get going?

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With Gareth Southgate‘s side still yet to find any real momentum in the tournament, the squad, pundits and fans alike will still be hoping he can return as soon as possible if they are to gain the kind of attacking rhythm they are crying out for ahead of the knockouts.

England play their round of 16 match in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday at 5pm (GMT), though their opponents will only be confirmed following Wednesday’s final group games.

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But for now, congrats again to the young couple – we wish them all the best as they welcome a new life into the world and look forward to seeing the local lad back on the pitch when he’s ready.

This is breaking news. More info to follow…

Featured Images — England/Phil Foden (via Instagram)