FODEN FLIES HOME FOR KID’S BIRTH
FROM BACK PAGE football career. Foden was England’s man of the match against Slovenia, despite being on red alert to fly home if needed.
The FA said in a statement: “Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter.”
England will be keen to get the Manchester City midfielder back when time allows because Foden has just enjoyed the best season of his life, winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title and being voted player of the year as well as the Football Writers’ Association award.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has declared himself fit for England’s Euros knock-out campaign.
Shaw says he will be ready for the “next game”, the last-16 tie in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
England manager Gareth Southgate took a gamble on Shaw, right, knowing the Manchester United full-back has not played since February 18, when he suffered a hamstring injury.
Shaw has been one of England’s best and most trusted players under Southgate and his return to action would be a boost for the rest of the tournament.
Southgate included Shaw only because UEFA allowed national teams to name expanded squads of 26 players. That allowed England to take a risk on the left-back, 28, proving his fitness.
He has trained consistently with the squad since arriving in Germany but has also been on his own programme, working inside, as the medics manage his fitness.
Shaw was named as one of the substitutes against Slovenia and is hopeful of being in contention to be involved on Sunday. That could ease the burden on Kieran Trippier, who has been playing out of position.
The Newcastle right-back has admitted he has struggled at times because he has not played much football in the past few months either because of a calf problem.