England striker Ollie Watkins publicly backs Belgian winger Jérémy Doku’s plan to leave the World Cup temporarily to attend the birth of his first child. Multiple outlets report that Doku is expected to depart ahead of the tournament’s continuation and that his decision draws significant public reaction, including criticism from some quarters.
Yahoo Sports adds that Watkins has now addressed the debate directly, framing his response as supportive of Doku and suggesting the matter should be viewed privately. Vanguard reports Watkins defends Doku on the grounds that it is “nobody’s business,” emphasizing that personal family commitments are separate from public judgment.
The Independent similarly states that Doku is expected to leave for the childbirth and reports that Watkins’s support comes after a presenter’s remarks about childbirth were discussed in connection with the controversy. Taken together, the coverage centers on Watkins’s stance—supportive rather than critical—and on the broader backlash Doku faces over balancing family life with tournament duties.
