England’s problems increase as Phil Foden heads home due to family matter
England’s problems have increased after Phil Foden flew home from the team’s base at Euro 2024 to attend to a “pressing family matter”.
Foden has started England’s three matches in Germany and it is unclear if the 24-year-old Manchester City player will be back with the squad by the time Gareth Southgate’s side play their last-16 tie in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday. England are hopeful he will be.
Southgate was already under pressure to change his attack after his forwards once again failed to click in the disappointing goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday. England, who progressed as winners from Group C, have scored two goals in three games.
Quick GuideHow do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?
Show
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
- Turn on sport notifications.
Southgate has used Foden on the left, Jude Bellingham as a No 10 and Bukayo Saka on the right, with Harry Kane up front. There have been calls for Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer to come into the team, with Foden, if he is to stay in the starting XI, moved to a more central position.
Foden, whose partner is heavily pregnant with their third child, was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year last season having scored 24 goals and contributed 10 assists as City secured a fourth Premier League title in a row.
More details to follow …