World Cup 2018: Fabian Delph jokes Jordan Henderson penalty miss sent wife into labour – but it’s okay as she’s a ‘machine’

FABIAN DELPH described his wife as "a machine" after she gave birth to his third child in the days before England's World Cup quarter-final win.

Manchester City midfielder Delph was given permission by Southgate to fly back home to be with his wife, Natalie, for the birth.

Labour may have been brought on, he joked, after seeing Jordan Henderson miss his penalty against Colombia on Tuesday.

He said: "It’s hard to put into words, it’s been an amazing week for us.

"I’d like to thank Gareth – I have done – for allowing me to go home and be with my wife and my children for the birth of my third child. It was a hard one for me.

"We were watching the game and I think it was the penalties that have actually brought on the labour, so I’ve got Hendo to thank for that! A healthy baby girl. I’ve managed to come back out and to be involved in that and to get the win and be going through to the next round is absolutely amazing."

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"My wife’s an absolute machine. She’s so strong mentally and physically."

Delph came on for the final 13 minutes of England's 2-0 win over Sweden in Samara.

Gareth Southgate's team are now preparing for a semi-final clash with either Russia or Croatia, which will take place on Wednesday.

But Delph will have more than just football to think about over the next few days

He added: "We’ve not got a name yet. We’re caught between Aviana and Cassia. My two girls have had an input in it and they don’t like it but my wife does."

As was put to him after the game, Samara Delph has a ring to it.