Fabian Delph had the help of Vincent Kompany to nip back home for the birth of his daughter.

The Manchester City midfielder was named in the England squad after a terrific season under Pep Guardiola and came off the bench against Panama before starting the last group game against Belgium.

But with partner Natalie expecting their third child, Delph flew back home to be there for the birth of his daughter before returning in time for the quarter-final win over Sweden.

The 28-year-old has explained how his City teammate, who had played against him for Belgium, helped out - even if it left for a potentially awkward moment on the plane.

“Vincent Kompany’s family came out for the Belgium game and I am close with him and the family, so I flew back with Vincent’s family on a private plane," he told the Telegraph .

“It was just me, his children and his wife. They had just beaten us, so I didn’t know whether to speak to them! He has three lovely kids and they were running about.

“On my way back, I was just on my own on the plane. Fair play to the FA who looked after me. Now I am really looking forward to Wednesday.”

Delph and Kompany could face each other again before the tournament is over, but England and Belgium will have to either both win or lose their semi-finals against Croatia and France respectively for that to happen.

As Gareth Southgate's team savour their first semi-final at a World Cup since 1990 and first at a major tournament since 1996, former Villa midfielder Delph is just enjoying being involved in the competition's final week after a busy.

“It’s been stressful but it’s also been the most amazing week of my life,” he told PA Sport.

“Nobody wants to miss the birth of their child, so to see that and then to get back and be involved in such a fantastic game and go through to the semi-finals is unbelievable.

“It’s only hit me now. It’s been crazy. Over the last five or six weeks I thought I was fine but I hadn’t realised.

“Now, having had the baby, I’ve really felt a massive weight off my shoulders.”

Delph came on for his third game of the tournament against Sweden, replacing Dele Alli for the final 15 minutes of the game. The City star has been used in midfield by Southgate, having spent the majority of the season playing left-back covering for Benjamin Mendy.

Presuming the Frenchman is fit, Guardiola will have a decision to make over where to use Delph when he returns to the Etihad following his World Cup duty.