Foden set for England return ahead of Slovakia clash

Phil Foden is set to link back up with the England squad on Friday after leaving Germany for the birth of his child.

Foden has started all three of England’s Group C matches as Gareth Southgate’s side advanced by finishing top of the pool, but departed on Wednesday to return home for the birth of his third child.

It had been hoped that the Manchester City midfielder would be back in time for Sunday’s last-16 clash in Gelsenkirchen against Slovakia, and it is understood the forward is due to return to England’s basecamp in Blankenhain overnight and re-join the squad on Friday morning.

Foden hit a post in England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark and has looked lively at times without truly being able to find the sort of form that saw him shine for City last year.

Southgate’s side take on Slovakia at 5pm on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.