Phil Foden is ‘anticipated to be again in time for last-16 recreation’

Phil Foden is expected to be back in time to play in England’s Euros crunch match at the weekend after flying home today for the birth of his child.

There were doubts over whether the Manchester City star would return in time for the Three Lions’ first knock out game on Sunday at 5pm, after the FA announced his shock departure earlier today. 

It is understood the attacker’s partner is giving birth to their third baby and Foden is travelling back to the UK to be with his family.

But a source has now confirmed Foden will rejoin the squad ahead of the match, settling the nerves of England fans who feared his absence could hinder their chances in Sunday’s must win match. 

An FA source told MailOnline: ‘Phil flew home for the birth of his baby but he is expected to be back in Germany in time to play in England’s second round match on Sunday evening.

‘It is not known when he’ll be back in Germany, but he is expected to be able to rejoin the squad before the match.’

Phil Foden has flown home from the Euros to be present for the birth of his third child

Foden and his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke announced they are expecting their third child back in April – pictured with son Ronnie, five, and daughter True, 12-months

Phil Foden (centre) is pictured with the rest of the Three Lions’ squad after their dismal draw against Slovenia on Tuesday night

Supporters reacting to the news on X voiced concerns over how the team will cope without one of their ‘best players’, while others prayed for the 24-year-old to return ‘as soon as possible’. 

But after the team’s dismal performance against Slovenia last night, which caused fury among supporters for the second game in a row, many joked the team will likely join Phil back in the UK in a matter of days. 

The Manchester City star has started all three of England’s games at the tournament in Germany so far and is expected to be back by Sunday, when the Three Lions play in the last 16. 

An FA spokesperson said: ‘Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter.’ 

Back in April, Foden and his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke revealed they were expecting their third child together. At the time, Foden and his childhood sweetheart celebrated the exciting news with a lavish baby shower and shared photos of the party online.

They share a son Ronnie, five, and daughter True, who recently turned one. 

At the time, the couple posed in front of a large blue and white balloon arch and eye catching LED letters that spelt ‘baby Foden’.

Ronnie, who has his own Instagram account run by his mother, shared an insight into the celebrations on his social media page.

The post read: ‘Had an amazing day with the most important people.’

Foden (left) reportedly visited a psychic with his girlfriend Rebecca (right) before the Euros

The Manchester City midfielder, 23, and his childhood sweetheart, 22, celebrated the exciting news and the cake colour could offer a hint to the gender

Foden and Gareth Southgate chat after the final whistle in Cologne on Tuesday

Foden is pictured smiling in the stands sitting with family after England’s 0-0 on Tuesday

The footballer and Rebecca reportedly met at a party when they were teenagers in Stockport and she has since been seen supporting him at several of his matches.

Foden and his other half visited a psychic prior to the Euros. He was given a tarot card reading by Chloe Smith, 25, but the mystic took to Instagram to insist that she will not be revealing exactly what she told Foden and Cooke.

‘A reading is personal and no details of any reading whether a celebrity or not is shared with anyone!’ she wrote.

Foden enjoyed a sensational campaign for Manchester City last term, spearheading their title defence and winning the individual honour of Premier League Player of the Season. 

Like his team-mates in Germany, he’s so far failed to replicate that club form on the big stage at Euro 2024, with England topping their group in spite of three insipid and uninspiring performances. 

Foden’s own position in the team has come under scrutiny, with many calling for him to either play in the No 10 role or be dropped for a more natural left winger. 

Given his absence in the build-up to Sunday’s last 16 clash, against an opponent still to be determined, there’s a strong chance he will not be involved from the start, with Anthony Gordon waiting in the wings, though it remains to be seen exactly when he will fly back into camp.