Phil Foden returns to UK amidst family problems ; might miss Round of 16 clash

A "pressing family matter" has caused Phil Foden to temporarily leave England's UEFA Euro 2024 camp and go back to the United Kingdom, according to confirmation from the Football Association (FA). The Manchester City playmaker helped his team advance by topping Group C. Gareth Southgate's England started all three of their group-stage matches in Germany. 

However, Phil Foden will temporarily depart the team's GolfResort Weimarer Land facility outside Erfurt, the Football Association announced in a blunt statement on Wednesday. There is currently no information available on the player's potential return date.

Senior Sky News reporter Rob Dorsett has given his opinion on Phil Foden leaving the camp. The journalist is stationed with the England team in Germany and he said that, "It is well known that Foden is having a third baby with his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke. They confirmed that in April with a baby shower in Stockport and they put some photos on his Instagram account announcing the happy news.”

Rob Dorsett added, "So, my understanding is that Foden wants to go back and be with his girlfriend for a very short period of time before he comes back out to Germany to continue with England and this tournament."

Blessing in disguise for England as Phil Foden returns home?

Although Foden did show improvement versus Slovenia on Tuesday night, he remains one of the players who has received criticism thus far in the competition. A vital component of Southgate's squad, the English Premier League player of the year is now uncertain about his availability for Sunday's round of 16.

The next match for England is on Sunday at 5 p.m., though it is currently expected that he is going to be able to play again for that match. According to BBC correspondent Dan Roan, Foden is scheduled to return home on Sunday to be there for the birth of his third child. His return to his native country may provide other team members a chance to start. Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United, who came on late in Tuesday's match against Slovenia to replace Foden, is the most likely winner in this scenario.