Everything to know about Phil Foden’s dash to UK to be with pregnant girlfriend (Image: Getty Images)
In the midst of the 2024 Euros, England football player Phil Foden returned to the UK in preparation for the birth of his third child with longtime partner Rebecca Cooke.
Football fans were shocked to learn this week that Phil Foden had quit Germany in the middle of the Euro 2024 competition.
The 24-year-old Stockport midfielder flew back to the UK for a “pressing family matter,” the FA announced in a statement. According to The Mirror, he is coming home to give birth to his third child with longtime girlfriend Rebecca Cooke. “Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter,” the statement stated.
Foden prioritises his family and roots over football since he is incredibly proud of them. Before the third child is born, the couple, who already has two children, Ronnie Foden, 5, and True Foden, 3, shared sweet pictures from their baby shower.
Recently, Ronnie, his son, announced on social media that the family was expecting a new baby. As a star himself, Ronnie has frequently joined his father on the pitch for championship celebrations, posed for pictures with Erling Haaland and even sat on his shoulders.
Here, we examine Phil’s family life, his views on parenting, and the reason behind his decision to withdraw from the Euros.
What caused Foden to quit the Euros?
Phil Foden has flown back to the UK ahead of the birth of his third child ( Image: Getty Images)
Although Foden’s expected return date to Germany is unknown, it is hoped that he will be there for the game’s build-up and Sunday’s final 16.
Tuesday’s match saw Foden, who plays club football for Manchester City, represent Gareth Southgate’s team against Slovenia. After England’s goalless draw in Cologne on Tuesday to guarantee they won their group, it is known that the forward left the camp.
The midfield player will be back in time for the round of 16 match in Gelsenkirchen because Southgate’s team won’t play again until Sunday. After Group E and Group F finish on Wednesday, their opponents for the round of 16 tie will be announced. Foden, the Premier League’s player of the year, started each of England’s three group matches. Before being taken off the pitch in the closing stages of the draws against Denmark and Slovenia, he participated in the entire 90 minutes of play against Serbia.
With Foden having just had the best season of his life—winning a fourth straight title, being elected Premier League Player of the Year, and winning the Football Writers’ Association award—England will be eager to have him back when time permits.
A tale of love
With a flutter of blue and white balloons and a giant LED sign that said “baby Foden,” ecstatic parents Phil and Rebecca went all out for their baby shower earlier this year. Childhood sweethearts Foden and Rebecca gave birth to their first child at the age of eighteen.
Rebecca and Phil, a midfielder for Man City, apparently met at a teenage party in Stockport. Ever since, she’s been seen supporting him at a lot of games and hanging out with England’s WAGs during big competitions like the World Cup and the Euros. Rebecca, who is also from Stockport and is thought to be about 24 years old, maintains a low profile and hasn’t disclosed many details about her work.
Foden, on the other hand, is renowned for his devotion to his family and gave a cute response to his first fatherhood.
He acknowledged, according to City’s website: “I witnessed the birth. I left the room, shed a tear or two, then returned as if nothing had occurred. I’m not the type to cry in front of others. Although I prefer to be alone myself, I was in the room when it happened, and it was an unforgettable experience. Your life is altered. There isn’t any free time,” he continued, adding that he had “loved every second of it.”
“There’s so much going on out there for a young footballer like myself,” he told Esquire, which featured him on its cover in 2022, and attributed his ability to stay “focused” to being a father. The most difficult thing is to get into bed early and get up ready to practice when there are so many distractions around. That, in my opinion, is where dedication is needed.”
