Phil Foden returns to England camp at Euro 2024 after birth of baby son

Phil Foden is due to return to England’s training camp on Thursday night after flying home to attend the birth of his third child. It is hoped that Foden will be able to join the group on Friday morning and be involved in the team’s preparations for their clash with Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024.

The Football Association had said that the midfielder was given permission to leave Germany to attend a “pressing family matter” on Wednesday, a day after England’s draw with Slovenia. The 24-year-old attacker’s partner has had a baby boy and Foden is set to fly back to England’s Blankenhain base. It remains to be seen whether he will start against Slovakia.

Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier were not part of the main training group on Thursday. The focus has been on load management and there is no suggestion that Rice, who has played every minute of England’s first three games, has any injury issues. Trippier, who has been starting at left-back, has been managing a calf problem. Both players are expected to be fit for Slovakia.