Manchester City and England midfielder Fabian Delph has flown back to the UK to witness the birth of his third child. The 29-year-old who made his World Cup debut in the Three Lions' 1-0 defeat to Belgium is currently racing against time to make it back his country's crunch encounter with Belgium on Tuesday.
However, he may not exactly be in a hurry to return considering his decision was fully supported by his head coach Gareth Southgate. "
The thought process is that some things in life are more important than football," the England manager said at his pre-match press conference.
"His wife is due to go into labor.
"I've said all along to the players that this is a big tournament, but family is more important. "I think it's very important at times like this, that players who are family-orientated are supported by us.
"He has been exceptional. I mean, we've been so fortunate to have a squad of players whose character and spirit has formed an incredible bond. "
We've been away and he has been fundamental to that. I can't speak highly enough of his character around the group.
"So he's desperate to support us but also I think his focus needs to be with his family at this time and he has my full support on that.
"He might be with us. He's buying his wife curries and all sorts of things to try and aid the speed of the process.
"But, for me, I think again it's a bit of perspective in life because everybody says you only get one chance to be in a World Cup, but also there's only one day in your life when your children are born.
"I know my father's generation and those before them would view that differently, but you have got to be there for your family and that's very important," Gareth Southgate concluded.
