World Cup 2018: Fabian Delph reads classic war novel on flight back to Russia after wife gives birth to baby daughter
The England midfielder was allowed to go home for the birth of his third child but is now reuniting with his team-mates ahead of their quarter-final with Sweden
FABIAN DELPH is heading back to the World Cup - just days after the birth of his third daughter this morning - and took some classic literature to keep himself busy.
The England midfielder had left Russia immediately after he featured in the Belgium defeat to be with his pregnant wife Natalie.
While he was not in Moscow last night, Delph was still cheering on his team-mates as they beat Colombia on penalties to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The Manchester City star had only managed the last 27 minutes in England's win over Panama before making his first World Cup start in the defeat to Belgium.
Although he played the full 90 minutes, he quickly rushed off to the airport to fly home to be with his wife and two daughters.
He had a couple of days downtime before his baby girl was born, arriving at 7.52am today.
WE'RE RON THE BALL All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup
And just hours later, Delph was on his way back to Russia, and even had some special reading material ready.
Along with a camera, the midfielder came prepared with classic war novel All Quiet on the Western Front as well as motivational inspiration from famed basketball coach Tim S.Grover.
But he will be fully focused ahead of Saturday's quarter-final clash against Sweden after cheering on his team-mates on Tuesday evening.
He wrote on Instagram: "Watching my brothers come through a tough game both mentally and physically, I kicked every ball and felt every bit of emotion with the players, staff and fans."