Why Man City’s Phil Foden has left England’s Euro 2024 camp

Phil Foden has been granted temporary leave from the England squad to attend to a personal matter.

The news comes less than 24 hours after the Manchester City star played 89 in the Three Lions’ disappointing 0-0 draw against Slovenia. It’s a result that ensures England top Group C, even if the mood surrounding the camp is far from upbeat.

But Foden’s focus, at least in the immediate, is away from football, after the FA confirmed he will step away from the camp. In a statement, the governing body said: “Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter.”

The 24-year-old, who has earned 37 senior international caps, has played all three games for England in Euro 2024 and was the standout player against Slovenia in Cologne. Foden provided the assist for Bukayo Saka’s disallowed goal, produced several dangerous runs and tested goalkeeper Jan Oblak with a free-kick in the latter stages of the first half.

While little is known about Foden’s ongoing situation, supporters will hope he is available for England’s last-16 tie on Sunday. Gareth Southgate’s side will discover their opponents on Wednesday night when the group stages are concluded. The Netherlands could well be the opposition for this weekend, or any of the four teams from Group E (Belgium, Ukraine, Romania and Slovakia).

Foden’s performances from the left have been England’s most consistent attacking threat over the three games. It comes on the back of a standout campaign at club level where City’s no.47 earned two of the three Player of the Year awards, with the PFA version yet to be announced. 

Foden scored 27 times in 53 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side in 2023/24, and earned a sixth Premier League winners’ medal.