Phil Foden leaves England squad and returns to UK
England attacker Phil Foden has temporarily left the Euro 2024 squad due to personal reasons, the FA have announced.
The 24-year-old, who plays his club football for Manchester City, started in all three of England's Euro group stage games, and is expected to be a key part of Southgate's plans ahead of the knockout stages, which kicks off on Saturday (29 June).
News of the reigning Premier League player of the year's current absence from the team comes just one day after England's final group stage game, a 0-0 draw against Slovenia, which cemented top spot in Group C for the Three Lions.
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This afternoon (26 June), the FA announced that Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a 'pressing family matter'.
Fans have been quick to show their support for England's no.11 in the comments of the post.
One user said: "Hopefully nothing too serious."
Another posted: "Let’s hope it’s nothing serious. Family are always first."
A third shared: "Hope his family are ok. He's been our best player last 2 games."
Following the original announcement, football journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Foden was heading back to the UK for the birth of his child.
He wrote on X: "Phil Foden, back home to be present for the birth of his third child.
"He’s expected to be back with the England squad at Euro 2024 by Sunday."
Foden has started England's group games on the left wing, not his preferred position, as the Three Lions have struggled to muster a good performance against the likes of Serbia, Denmark, or Slovenia.
A 1-0 win in their opening game was followed by a 1-1 draw to Denmark and a bore 0-0 draw against Slovenia, which against all odds, was enough to secure England's progression into the round of 16 as group-toppers, set to face one of the best third-placed sides.
The draw also rounded off the lowest scoring group in Euros history. Not a good look.
England fans will be hoping that the Three Lions can dig deep and find an extra level in the knockout stages, with several left disappointed and unimpressed by the team, who were odds on favourites to win the Euros, and their performances.
Southgate has previously cited 'limitations' in the players' physical conditions, that means that they can't press the opposition as high as he'd like them too.
England only mustered four shots on target on Tuesday night against a stubborn Slovenia side, who are ranked 57th in the world, which is 52 places lower than the Three Lions.
With the daunting task of playing against the Netherlands in the round of 16 looking more and more likely, fans will be hoping and praying that Southgate tries something different ahead of the upcoming clash, which will take place on Sunday 30 June at 5pm.
Joshua Nair