According to reports, the 24-year-old England attacking midfielder was devastated after his cousin’s house caught fire in the middle of the night. Cody Owen, whom Phil considers like a sister as they grew up together, bravely rescued her two young children from the house in Stockport, Greater Manchester, before returning to save her third child.

Firefighters arrived at the scene near Stockport County’s stadium and spent over two hours extinguishing the blaze. Cody and her three children were taken to Stepping Hill Hospital for smoke inhalation checks. Reports suggest the fire started due to a technical fault in the bathroom ventilation fan on the upper floor.

A source close to Foden said: “Phil was really upset when he heard the news. He is very close to Cody. They were childhood best friends and spent a lot of time together. He sees her as his sister and loves her children dearly. Now, he is helping Cody find temporary accommodation while her house is uninhabitable due to smoke damage.”

In 2021, Cody posted an emotional message on Facebook addressing Phil, writing: “We are so proud of you.”

A fire service spokesperson said: “One adult and three children were taken to the hospital as a precaution. Our crews were on the scene for two hours.”