Phil Foden releases statement as he breaks silence after England shame
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England international Phil Foden has released a statement after being dropped from Gareth Southgate’s squad for breaking coronavirus protocol.
The FA have vowed a “full investigation” after allegations Foden and team-mate Mason Greenwood invited two girls to their team hotel room after their win over Iceland.
The two players have both apologised for their actions but been removed from the squad ahead of their trip to Denmark.
And Manchester City star Foden, 20, has now released a statement as he publicly apologised for his actions just hours after his first England start.
Foden said: “Following the story whcih has emerged today regarding my actions in Iceland, I want to make a full apology.
(Image: REUTERS)
“I apologise to Gareth Southgate, to my England team-mates, to the staff, supporters and also to my Club and my family.
“When I was called up by Gareth for these games, my first reaction was that of immense pride. To pull on that shirt for the senior team in my England debut was an incredible privilege.
“I am a young player with a lot to learn, but I am aware of the huge responsibility I have in representing Manchester City and England at this level.
“On this occasion I made a poor decision and my behaviour didn’t meet the standards expected of me.
(Image: REUTERS)
“I breached COVID-19 protocols put in place to protect myself and my England colleagues. As a consequence I will now miss the opportunity to travel to Denmark with the squad, and that hurts.
“I will learn a valuable lesson from this error in judgment and I wish Gareth and the team good luck this week.”
Gareth Southgate’s side will take on Denmark in their latest Nations League clash on Tuesday night without the two youngsters.
An FA spokesperson said: “Whilst in Iceland, both Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood spent time outside of our private team area, which was a breach of our COVID-19 rules.
“While they did not leave the team hotel, it was an unacceptable breach of our protocol. They have both apologised for their serious lack of judgement.
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“The FA will be launching a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to this breach. We have spoken to the Iceland FA to offer our apologies for this incident and to ensure them that we are taking the appropriate steps.
“We have also assured the Danish FA that all other players and staff members have been isolated within our group throughout this period.
“Our immediate priority now is preparing the team for the match against Denmark tomorrow.”
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