When Phil Foden could return to England camp and will he play Euro 2024 round of 16 tie

Phil Foden could return to the England squad before their round of 16 tie at Euro 2024 on Sunday, after leaving the Three Lions camp due to a "pressing family matter".

Foden, 24, started in each of England's three Group C matches at the tournament in Germany, including playing 89 minutes in their 0-0 draw against Slovenia on Tuesday. However, the FA confirmed on Wednesday that the Manchester City midfielder left the squad after the match in Cologne.

"Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp and returned to the UK for a pressing family matter," an FA statement read. According to the Mirror, Foden is returning home for the birth of his third child. Foden has two children with his partner Rebecca Cooke. Son Ronnie was born in 2019, while they welcomed a daughter in 2021.

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READ MORE: Man City midfielder Phil Foden leaves England Euro 2024 camp and returns to UK

England booked their place in the round of 16 after topping Group C, despite winning just one of their three fixtures. The Three Lions beat Serbia 1-0 in their group opener, before being held to draws against Denmark and Slovenia. They finished on five points, pipping second-place Denmark and Slovenia in third to top spot.

Having finished at the summit of their group, Gareth Southgate's side now know they will face the third-place finisher from either Group D, E or F on Sunday at 5pm BST. The identity of the opponent is yet not known and won't be up until Wednesday evening, when Group F comes to its conclusion.

Nevertheless, due to England playing on Sunday, it gives Foden a chance to return in time for the round of 16 match in Gelsenkirchen. Should Foden miss out and England win, then he has until Saturday, July 6 at 5pm BST to feature in the next game against Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-final.

Despite scoring just two goals and winning one Group C game, Southgate is upbeat about England's prospects going into the last 16 tie. He said: "I understand the narrative towards me.

"That's better for the team than it being towards them. But it's creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.

"I understand some of the reactions but it's a strange environment we're playing in," he added. "I thought we were much improved with the ball, we've created some good openings and at the moment it's hard work for us because we're not quite getting that break in front of goal."