RAHEEM Sterling was forced to race back from the World Cup today after burglars smashed into his home, The Sun can reveal.
The Man City ace pulled out of England’s last-16 tie with Senegal after learning of the invasion at his Surrey pile on Saturday night.
A spokesperson for England Football previously said the Chelsea winger would not play in the game because of a “family matter”.
The statement read: “Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
The shock announcement came just hours before the Three Lions were due to kick off against the African Cup of Nations champs.
Asked at a pre-match press conference why Sterling was left off the team sheet, England Manager Gareth Southgate said: “He’s dealing with a family matter.
“I had quite a bit of time with him this morning but I have now had to pass that on to other people to help him with that.
“He’s going to go and deal with that matter. And then we will have to take it from there really.”
Sterling is expected to return to Qatar as England look set to head into a quarter final clash with France.
The Man City ace netted one against Iran in England’s opening group game.
He featured in the goalless draw against the US but was an unused substitute in England’s final group game against Wales.
Manager Gareth Southgate has made one change from the win over the Dragons, with Bukayo Saka replacing Marcus Rashford in the starting eleven.
England topped Group B with seven points while Senegal were runners up of Group A on six points with the Netherland’s coming top.
The winner will face France in the quarter-finals on Saturday at 7pm following their 3-1 thriller against Poland on Sunday.
