Raheem Sterling to miss out on the trip to The Etihad. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Raheem Sterling left England’s 2022 FIFA World Cup camp ahead of their last 16 clash against Senegal after he was informed of an armed burglary at his house.
As per a spokesperson, Sterling was concerned about the safety and well-being of the family, who were inside the house when the robbery had taken place. It was the correct decision and no one would have questioned his call to be with his loved ones during that time.
But there was the question of when he will return to play for the Three Lions in Qatar – and if that would be a possibility at all. If England lost to the Lions of Teranga, then that would have been it for Sterling’s World Cup hopes in Qatar.
But the Three Lions, starting Phil Foden down the left flank, cruised to a 3-0 win where the Manchester City star was one of the impressive players. Now, the FA has confirmed that Sterling will return to the country’s training camp ahead of the FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash.
England take on France on 10 December for the right to be in their second consecutive World Cup semi-final. The statement from the FA (h/t Football.London) read:
“Raheem Sterling will return to England’s World Cup base in Qatar. The Chelsea forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday (9 December) ahead of the quarter-final with France.”
Surrey Police are continuing the investigation around the manner and two suspects have been arrested with regard to the robbery. It remains to be seen if the Chelsea winger’s return to Qatar would be in time for him to start against Les Bleus.
It is a massive, massive game for the Three Lions which would require all of their first-team stars to be in the best possible physical and mental state. The 28-year-old, 81-cap winger started in England’s first two group games.
He scored one and assisted another in his nation’s opening day 6-2 win against IR Iran but it could now be tough for him to dislodge Foden from the starting XI given the latter’s form.
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