UEFA Euro 2024 – Why Did Phil Foden Leave England Camp & Return To UK Just Days Before Gareth Southgate’s Team’s Round of 16 Clash?

England has had a rough campaign during the ongoing Euro 2024. Despite starting as one of the top contenders for the title, the team has failed to impress its fans. Gareth Southgate‘s side managed just 5 points from their 3 games, as they somehow finished on top of the Group C standings. While the team will be eager to turn their luck around in the Round of 16, the Three Lions have been hit with a major setback. Star midfielder Phil Foden has temporarily left the team, with the player returning to England for family reasons.

This is an enormous blow for Gareth Southgate, considering his team needs all hands on deck. Foden has been in great shape this season and can change the game completely on his own. However, his absence could be a blessing in disguise for the manager. If Foden is not back with the squad before the Round of 16 clash, the team could finally give the chance to Cole Palmer.

The Chelsea star has been sitting on the sidelines for a while with Southgate not giving him a single minute in the last three games. Experts have been critical over the player’s game time, with many hoping Gareth Southgate includes Palmer in his team. Cole Palmer could be a great replacement for Phil Foden, considering the Chelsea star could excel on the left wing. Yet, what was the reason?

Phil Foden and his pregnant girlfriend Rebecca Cooke expecting their third child

The English FA has given no clarity over the situation, with the statement just noting that Foden will be absent from the squad for the time being. According to reports, Foden and his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke are expecting the birth of their third child. And this could probably be the reason behind their return to England. Phil Foden and his girlfriend took to their social media in April, this year, to inform fans they were expecting. The couple also threw a fancy baby shower with their close friends and family attending the party.

The player is expected to join the team after a brief break. According to reports, the midfielder could join his teammates before the Round of 16 clash. England’s opponents are yet to be determined, with Gareth Southgate and his men waiting on updates from Group E to get started on researching their opponents.

It will be interesting to see if the English head coach backs Phil Foden to make a comfortable return to the first team following his return or gives Cole Palmer a chance to shine during the knockouts.