England's Phil Foden returns to UK for 'pressing family matter'

England's Phil Foden during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group C match at the Cologne Stadium in Cologne, Germany. Picture date: Tuesday June 25, 2024.
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is temporarily returning to the UK during the Euro 2024 tournament. Credit: PA

England midfielder Phil Foden has temporarily left England’s Euro 2024 camp and returned to the UK for a “pressing family matter”, the Football Association has announced.

ITV News understands Foden, 24, is flying back to be with his girlfriend, Rebecca Cooke, as she gives birth to their third child.

The England squad is hopeful he will be able to return for the team's first round of 16 match on Sunday, ITV News understands.

The Football Association confirmed on Wednesday that Foden would leave the team’s Spa and GolfResort Weimarer Land base for a spell.

“Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter,” an FA spokesperson said.

Foden, pictured on holiday with partner Rebecca Cooke, 23, their son Ronnie, five, and daughter True, one. Credit: Instagram/officialronniefoden_

The Manchester City player started all three of England’s group-stage matches in Germany, including Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

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.

Manager Southgate has struggled to strike the right balance among his wealth of attacking options with England scoring just twice in their three outings so far.

Foden, who scored 19 non-penalty goals at a club level last season, was voted Football Writers’ Association's Men's Footballer of the Year in May.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...