Published: 03:51 EDT, 28 June 2024 | Updated: 04:02 EDT, 28 June 2024

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Football fans on social media have slammed the view that Phil Foden has a 'loser's mentality' for returning home from Euro 2024 to be at the birth of his third child.

Foden, who has played all three of England's games so far, jetted back to the UK on Tuesday to be with girlfriend Rebecca Cooke when their baby boy was born and then rejoined his team-mates in camp on Thursday night ahead of Sunday's game against Slovakia.

Former Premier League player turned boxer Curtis Woodhouse offered his opinion on Foden's decision and was blasted by supporters.

He wrote: 'If Foden has gone home for the birth of his child I don't rate it at all.

'You can scream and shout at me all you like but it's a losers mentality. Stay locked in, the baby will still be a baby when you get home. Rubbish.

Foden and his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke - pictured with son Ronnie, five, and daughter True, 12 months - had a baby boy this week which the England star flew home to be present for

]]]]>]]>West Ham legend Trevor Sinclair was one of the first to reply, offering a more gentle counter argument than many.

He posted: 'It could work the other way Curtis. When I returned home in 2002 for 24 hrs, under different circumstances, it was so uplifting to see my family and the reason why I felt so refreshed rejoining camp & ended up thriving during the tournament.'

But others were more cutting, with one fan saying: 'No way, football or not, that's a cold-hearted take. What if it's not a straightforward pregnancy? All mothers need help after birth regardless.'

Another added: 'No football match, or anything for that matter, would stop me being with my wife while our child is being born. Football will come and go, your child is your life.'

While a third simply put: 'Probably the worst take I've ever seen.'

Foden's involvement in England's last-16 clash with Slovakia is not yet determined after his fleeting absence for the birth.

Foden is now back with the England group preparing for Sunday's game against Slovakia

It was revealed in April of this year that the 24-year-old and Cooke, 22, were expecting their third child. The family posed in front of a blue and white balloon arch that had eye-catching LED letters that spelt 'Baby Foden' on it.

Cooke and Foden share a son Ronnie, five, and a daughter, True, who turned one earlier this year.

Foden and England fans will hope Sinclair's summation of the situation rings true and gives him a new lease of life for the rest of the tournament.

England qualified top of the group despite three uninspiring displays, with Foden among those criticised, although his showing against Slovenia was livelier.

Phil Foden