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England's Fabian Delph faces World Cup baby dilemma

England midfielder Fabian Delph
Image: Fabian Delph has discussed the possibility of flying home with England manager Gareth Southgate

Fabian Delph considers himself both a team man and a family man but faces a clash between the two at the World Cup, with his third child due to arrive mid-tournament.

The Manchester City midfielder is delighted to be part of the England squad this summer but is facing a collision of responsibilities, with wife Natalie due to give birth on June 30.

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That is two days after England's final group game against Belgium and two days before a prospective last-16 fixture should they top Group G.

Delph impressed City boss Pep Guardiola with his selfless performances out of position at left-back this season and though he is keen to give everything for England boss Gareth Southgate too, the possibility of flying home - and the risk of missing a match - has been discussed.

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"We're not 100 per cent certain, with a game on the 28th there might be an opportunity to fly back and then get back fast," he said.

"Gareth has been fantastic. There's nothing more important than family to me: family always comes first and always will.

"If I do have the opportunity to get back I will, but if not she's tough, she's a Yorkshire lass so she'll deal with it."

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Describing his reaction to his World Cup call-up despite last playing for England in 2015, he said: "I was over the moon. I was doing cartwheels.

"But I've got two daughters, a baby on the way and the missus - and they all hate football. They couldn't care less. It's hard to watch it with my family - it's like an agreement we have 'no football'.

"If I'm on holiday, I'm doing stuff with my girls, letting them paint my nails pink and all that stuff."

Manchester City's English midfielder Fabian Delph heads the ball.
Image: Delph made 29 appearances for Manchester City this season, scoring once

As for on-field matters, Delph is ready to perform whatever role is asked of him.

"I'm a team player and I think the manager [Guardiola] values people like me, who pretty much put themselves last and put the team first," he said.

"I played left-back as a young kid, but not many times and I played there probably one or two times under Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa.

"But wherever I'm asked to play. I'm all about the team, I've been that way since I was a really young guy, and I'll continue to be that way throughout the rest of my career."

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