Will Raheem Sterling return to England’s World Cup squad? Could he play vs France in Qatar 2022 quarter final

Raheem Sterling was absent during the 3-0 victory over Senegal after a break-in at his family home in London but could be set to return in time for Saturday’s match with France
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Raheem Sterling returned to the UK from England’s World Cup camp in Qatar after a break-in at his family home in London.

Sterling started and scored during England’s opening 6-2 victory over Iran in their World Cup opener. The Chelsea star also featured in the 0-0 draw against USA in the second match of the tournament.

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The 27-year-old winger is seen as a key part of manager Gareth Southgate’s plans for the tournament and he played an integral role in helping the Three Lions in their road to the final in Euro 2020.

According to reports, Sterling wanted to return home as soon as he was alerted to the break-in, that he was shaken up by the incident and concerned for the wellbeing of his children. The news came just hours before England’s victory against Senegal and Sterling was withdrawn from the squad for the round of 16 tie.

But can we expect to see Raheem Sterling return to the England squad against France and is he likely to feature for Southgate’s side during the remainder of the tournament in Qatar? Here is everything you need to know.

Will Raheem Sterling return to the England World Cup squad against France?

Raheem Sterling played in both of England’s opening two group games. (Getty Images)Raheem Sterling played in both of England’s opening two group games. (Getty Images)
Raheem Sterling played in both of England’s opening two group games. (Getty Images)

Raheem Sterling is still registered in the England squad and is eligible to make a return to the squad. Speculation has circled that the Chelsea star could join up with Southgate’s camp for the rest of the World Cup.

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The Guardian reported on Wednesday, December 7, that Sterling hoped to fly back to Qatar on Thursday (December 8) and rejoin England’s World Cup camp before the quarter-final against France on Saturday.

It was said that the Chelsea star has been finalising his security arrangements but does not want to leave until he is satisfied that his family are safe.

The news was then confirmed by England on Thursday morning when they sent out a tweet which said: “Raheem Sterling will return to England’s @FIFAWorldCup base in Qatar. The #ThreeLions forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah tomorrow ahead of the quarter-final with France.”

Why did Raheem Sterling leave the England World Cup squad in Qatar?

England star Raheem Sterling left the England camp after a break-in at his family home in London.

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Police investigating the break-in have made two arrests after another attempted burglary in the same village as Sterling. Surrey Police is currently assessing whether there is a link between the two incidents.

In a statement the police confirmed that two men were arrested on Tuesday 6 December in the Oxshott area. It is believed that jewellery valued at £30,000 was stolen from the home of the Chelsea star.

The footballer has returned home to check on his family members and is reportedly shaken up by the events that have taken place. Sterling is in a long term relationship with Paige Milian and also has three young children.

What has Gareth Southgate said about Raheem Sterling’s withdrawal from the England camp in Qatar?

Southgate confirmed Raheem Sterling would be absent from the England squad before the game against Senegal. The 52-year-old said: “He’s dealing with a family matter. I had quite a bit of time this morning but I have now had to pass that on to other people to help him with that.

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“He’s going to go and deal with the matter. And then we will have to take it from there really.”

Sterling has registered 20 goals for England and 16 of those have come in the past four years. Sterling is amongst the most experienced players in the England team and at 27 years of age has already registered 81 caps.

How have fans reacted to Raheem Sterling’s England return?

England fans have been boosted by the return of Raheem Sterling and he is a player that adds a wealth of experience to an in form front line.

One user posted on Twitter: “Huge respect for him coming back only gonna lift the squad with him returning off the bench to score us the winner… He wouldn’t, would he?”

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Another tweeted: “Fair play to him after what he’s just had to go through. Go and smash it, Raheem.”

However, some England fans have been more sceptical about his potential return and believe that he will not be in the right frame of mind after the events that have taken place.

One England fan tweeted: “Gareth needs to assess if he is in the right frame of mind. Team for France should be unchanged.”

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