England star Fabian Delph returns to home from Russia for the birth of his child
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate allowed Delph to leave camp straight after Belgium defeat to be by partner's side who is due to give birth to couple's third child on Saturday
FABIAN DELPH has left England’s World Cup camp in Russia ahead of his wife giving birth.
Delph started the defeat to Belgium in Kaliningrad and immediately flew back home to be with his partner Natalie.
The Football Association has confirmed that Delph left straight from Kaliningrad, with their third child due on Saturday.
Delph, 28, revealed he had discussed the “domestic situation” with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
He said: “Gareth’s been absolutely fantastic.
“There’s nothing more important than family to me, it always comes first and always will.
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“If I do have the opportunity to get back I will. But if not, my wife is tough lass, she’ll deal with it.”
Phil Jones’ partner Kaya gave birth to daughter Alaria last month, ten days before the England team arrived in Russia.
Meanwhile, John Stones is not thought to be a doubt for the last-16 clash with Colombia on Tuesday.
The defender was taken off at half-time against the Belgians and watched the second half of the game on the bench with a heavy strapping.
But Southgate revealed after the game he planned to only give Stones 45 minutes and replace him with Harry Maguire.