Phil Foden’s long-term partner Rebecca Cooke was forced to intervene after OnlyFans influencer Lily Phillips was spotted making a beeline for the Manchester City star at a boxing event in Manchester on Saturday night.
Foden, 26, had been sitting ringside at the AO Arena to watch Tommy Fury’s bout with Eddie Hall when footage of the incident began circulating online. Phillips, who shot to fame after claiming to have slept with 101 men in one day, was seen heading towards Foden before Cooke noticed and quickly stepped in, waving the influencer away while she attempted to speak to the bemused England midfielder. The clip has since racked up thousands of views, with many fans praising Cooke for her response. “Fair play to Mrs Foden,” one wrote, while another added: “Phil Foden’s wife is the boss.”
Foden and Cooke have been together since their school days in Stockport and share three children together.
On the night, Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy edged to victory against strongman Eddie Hall on points in the headline bout, though one of the three judges scored it as a draw. Before the fight, Fury announced that his newborn son with Molly-Mae Hague would be named Midas.
Foden’s attendance came after he was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad last month, following what was considered an underwhelming domestic campaign in which he registered 10 goals and seven assists for City. Tuchel chose instead to take Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze. Speaking at the boxing event, Foden said he would be watching from home and backing England throughout the tournament. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Obviously I’m going to watch England. I hope they do well, I’m rooting for them. I believe they can win it.”
His Man City teammate Nico O’Reilly, who is set to make his World Cup debut, gave an insight into how Foden had taken the news. Speaking to reporters at England’s team hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, O’Reilly said: “I spoke to Phil and he’s gutted. I’ve played with both [Foden and Cole Palmer] and they’re amazing. It’s unfortunate for them not to make the squad and they’ll be gutted but now is the time to rest and be ready for next season.”
Foden’s absence from the tournament also comes as City prepare to navigate their first season without Pep Guardiola at the helm in a decade, after the Spaniard’s departure last month. The club are understood to be in “advanced talks” over a compensation package with Chelsea to bring former Blues boss Enzo Maresca to the Etihad, according to reports. Maresca, who learned his coaching trade in City’s youth academy, won the Club World Cup and the Conference League during his 18 months at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola, who left after winning 20 major trophies including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League, leaves enormous shoes to fill.
