Manchester United star, Phil Foden, has temporarily departed from England’s European Championship camp to address a critical family issue.
This news was confirmed by the Football Association in a statement on Wednesday.
The FA’s statement read, “Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter.”
Though no further specifics were disclosed, the FA clarified that Foden’s absence is expected to be short-lived.
There remains a possibility that Foden might rejoin the squad in Germany in time for England’s round-of-16 clash in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
This scenario is reminiscent of an incident during the 2022 World Cup when Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling flew home following a burglary at his residence.
Sterling managed to return for the quarter-final against France, where he made a second-half appearance.
Foden, 24, has been instrumental for England, having started in all three of their group-stage matches in Germany.
He had family support during England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday.
Recently named Premier League Player of the Season, the 24-year-old played 89 minutes in England’s final Euros group game against Slovenia.
Having started each of England’s three tournament matches thus far, the timing of Foden’s return to Germany remains uncertain.
Foden has been a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s lineup, operating on the left side of an attacking midfield trio, supporting central striker Harry Kane.
The gifted midfielder was recently awarded the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season, receiving 42 percent of the votes after playing a crucial role in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title win.
With 37 caps and four goals for England, Foden’s potential return is highly anticipated as England moves into the tournament’s knockout stages.
