KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 21 : England striker Ollie Watkins has defended Belgium winger Jeremy Doku's wish to leave the World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child, arguing that family matters should take precedence over football. Watkins, a father of two, dismissed criticism of the Manchester

Manchester City star Jeremy Doku was bizarrely ripped apart over leaving Belgium's World Cup squad to be there for the birth of his first child

The winger said his wife Shireen is due to give birth during the second week of July — which would coincide with the quarter-final stage.