England: Phil Foden returning to camp on Friday ahead of Euro 2024 last-16 clash | OneFootball

The forward is in contention to face Slovakia on Sunday

Phil Foden was on his way back to Germany on Thursday night to re-join the England camp ahead of the last-16 clash with Slovakia.

Foden flew home to the UK immediately after Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia in order to be at the birth of his third child and the Manchester City star and his partner, Rebecca Cooke, have now welcomed a baby boy.

Foden is due back with the squad by Friday morning, raising hopes he will be ready to train at the Three Lions’ Blankehain base.

The 24-year-old, who has started all three of England’s games so far at the Euros, missed Thursday’s session as Gareth Southgate’s side stepped up their preparations for the knockout stage, having had their opponents confirmed on Wednesday night.

Whether Southgate feels Foden is ready to start against the Slovakians in Gelsenkirchen remains to be seen, though, with Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon both hoping to feature after coming off the bench against Slovenia.

Kieran Trippier and Declan Rice were also missing from the main training session on Thursday in order to manage their workloads but both are expected to be fit for the weekend.