In a surprising turn of events, midfielder Phil Foden has abruptly departed from the England national team to return home to the UK urgently, just after the Three Lions topped Group C in Euro 2024.
According to media reports, Foden had to rush back to the United Kingdom to attend to urgent family matters, a move that was approved by the Football Association (FA).
The FA confirmed, stating, “Phil Foden has left the England team’s camp at Euro 2024 due to a pressing family issue.”
However, as revealed by the Daily Mail, Foden temporarily parted ways with the national team to be by the side of his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke in welcoming their third child together.
Prior to this, Foden and Rebecca Cooke have a five-year-old son named Ronnie and a one-year-old daughter named True.
Foden’s return to England has raised concerns about his potential availability for England’s Round of 16 match at Euro 2024 scheduled for next Sunday.
During the group stage, Phil Foden featured in all three matches for the England team. In the lackluster 0-0 draw against Slovenia, the midfielder played until the 89th minute before being substituted for Anthony Gordon.
Foden’s sudden departure adds a layer of uncertainty to England’s preparations as they gear up for the knockout phase of the tournament. His absence could potentially impact the team’s midfield dynamics and strategic planning moving forward.
As the England squad navigates this unexpected development, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Phil Foden returns in time to contribute to the team’s quest for Euro 2024 glory.
In conclusion, Phil Foden’s departure from the England squad underscores the unpredictable nature of football tournaments, where personal matters off the pitch can influence team dynamics and performance on the field. The Three Lions will now need to adapt swiftly as they face upcoming challenges in the knockout stages without one of their key midfield assets.