The Manchester City midfielder, Phil Foden, who played a crucial role in all three of England’s group-stage matches in Germany, will temporarily leave the squad, the Football Association (FA) confirmed on Wednesday.
England, led by Gareth Southgate, advanced to the knockout stages by finishing top of Group C.
Foden will depart from the team’s Golf Resort Weimarer Land base near Erfurt for an unspecified period.
The FA has not provided details on when the midfielder will return.
Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett, currently in Germany with the England squad, shed light on the situation.
“It is well known that Foden is having a third baby with his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke. They confirmed that in April with a baby shower in Stockport and they put some photos on his Instagram account announcing the happy news,” Dorsett reported.
“My understanding is that Foden wants to go back and be with his girlfriend for a very short period of time before he comes back out to Germany to continue with England and this tournament,” he added.
Foden’s temporary absence is a significant development for England as they prepare for the next stage of the tournament. His return date remains unknown, leaving fans and teammates hopeful for his swift comeback.