Fabian Delph is on his way back to Russia to re-join Gareth Southgate's England after the birth of his daughter.

The Manchester City midfielder left England's World Cup squad to attend the birth of third baby last week, which saw him miss their last-16 victory over Colombia on Tuesday.

However, after the safe birth of his child early Wednesday morning, the 28-year-old has set off to return to Russia and hopes to be involved when England face Sweden in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Fabian Delph sits on a plane as he prepares to fly back to Russia and rejoin the England squad

The midfielder tweeted a picture of his special reading material for the flight back to Russia

'I've just experienced the most amazing 24 hours. Watching my brothers come through a tough game both mentally and physically, I kicked every ball and felt every bit of emotion with the players, staff and fans,' he wrote on Instagram.

'At 07:52 Me my wife and 2 beautiful daughters welcomed there baby sister into the world. I can't put into words the happiness and gratitude I'm feeling... Back to Russia now #TunnelVision'.

Delph featured as a substitute in England's 6-1 win over Panama and also the 1-0 defeat by Belgium before returning home.

Fabian Delph poses with wife, Natalie (right), before the birth of their third daughter

Delph watched from home on Tuesday night as his team-mates edged their way into the quarter-finals by defeating Colombia on a penalty shootout - thanks to a Jordan Pickford save and Eric Dier match-winning sport kick.

'Get in there boys,' he wrote on social media on the night he welcomed a third child into his family.

Ahead of the tournament, Delph was seen as more of an extra in Southgate's cast for this summer's tournament, but he has proved himself a valuable asset thus far with positive displays on his World Cup debut against Panama before performing admirably in a weakened Three Lions outfit against group G winner Belgium.

Delph featured against Panama and Belgium before making the trip back to England last week

The midfielder received his manager's blessing to return home, with Southgate claiming 'family comes first' as he prepared to face the Colombians one player short on Tuesday.

Nonetheless, Southgate will have squad back to full strength once again later on Wednesday as he sets his sights on a first World Cup semi-final in 1990.