05/12/2022
The England footballer left the World Cup squad in Qatar after armed intruders broke into his home with his family inside.
"Sterling is out of England Squad to face France"
Southgate confirms Sterling has left England World Cup squad after armed break-in at family home
Dec 5, 2022
Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Raheem Sterling has left England's World Cup squad after a reported armed break-in at the forward's family home.
WHAT HAPPENED? Sterling , who started England's first two matches in Qatar, was absent from the squad for their last 16 win over Senegal. As reported by BBC Sport, the 27-year-old is travelling back to London after a break-in by armed intruders at his family home.
WHAT WAS SAID? When asked whether Sterling will return to the World Cup in Qatar, Southgate told ITV Sport after the Senegal win: ''Weโve got to wait and see. At the moment, clearly the priority is for him to be with his family. Weโre going to support that, and leave him to have as much time as he needs. Heโs going home. At the moment, itโs a situation that he needs time with his family to deal with, and I donโt want to put him under any pressure with that. Sometimes football isnโt the most important thing, and family should come first.''
THE BIGGER PICTURE: England initially released a statement ahead of kick-off against Senegal confirming that Sterling had withdrawn from the squad. "Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the tonight as he is dealing with a family matter,'' the statement read.
Sunday's game was the first time Sterling has not been in the starting XI for a knockout match at a major tournament since Euro 2012.
WHAT NEXT FOR STERLING? It is unclear if Sterling will be available for selection for the quarter-finals, where England will take on 2018 World Cup winners France.
Keep Following Sinoe Sports Promoters ๐