FA confirms Sterling will return to England’s Al Wakrah training base on Friday to be available for clash against France
Raheem Sterling is flying back to Qatar ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final with France.
The Chelsea forward returned home on Sunday to comfort his family following a robbery at his house in Surrey.
“Raheem Sterling will return to England’s World Cup base in Qatar,” the Football Association said on Thursday.
“The Chelsea forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday ahead of the quarter-final with France.”
Sterling missed England’s last-16 win over Senegal and it was unclear if he would play any further part in the World Cup.
Gareth Southgate said it was “impossible to say” if Sterling would fly back for Saturday evening’s quarter-final tie with France and that he has to “give him space”.
Sterling, 27, is said to have been shaken by the incident and very concerned for his family’s welfare.
Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the burglary and they are currently ruling out suggestions that it is linked to another burglary in the same village.
The FA has also offered to increase security at players’ homes after the incident.
Even with Sterling choosing to return to Qatar, it appears unlikely that he will start this quarter-final tie.
Despite scoring 20 goals in 81 appearances and producing some of England’s best performances over the past few seasons, Sterling has lost his place in Southgate’s line-up due to brilliance elsewhere.
Raheem Sterling World cup journey isn’t over yet.
Despite scoring 20 goals in 81 appearances and producing some of England’s best performances over the past few seasons, Sterling has lost his place in Southgate’s line-up due to brilliance elsewhere.
