Phil Foden leaves England camp at Euro 2024 to attend birth of third child

England have been left with a selection dilemma before their last-16 tie at Euro 2024 after Phil Foden left the team’s base to attend the birth of his third child. Foden has started England’s three matches in Germany and it is unclear if the 24-year-old Manchester City player will be back with the squad in time for the last-16 tie in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday. England are hopeful he will be.

Gareth Southgate was already under pressure to change his attack after his forwards once again failed to click in the disappointing goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday. England, who progressed as winners from Group C, have scored two goals in three games.

Southgate has used Foden on the left, Jude Bellingham as a No 10 and Bukayo Saka on the right, with Harry Kane up front. There have been calls for Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer to come into the team, with Foden, if he is to stay in the starting XI, moved to a more central position.

Foden was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year last season having scored 24 goals and contributed 10 assists as City secured a fourth Premier League title in a row. He could well return to Germany this week but it could be difficult for Southgate to start him at the weekend if he has missed training sessions. – Guardian

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