RAHEEM STERLING has returned to Qatar and is available to play for England in the World Cup after a robbery at his home.
Sterling missed the Three Lions’ 3-0 win over Senegal as he headed back to the UK to see to his wife Paige and their three kids.
Raheem Sterling pulled out of England’s last-16 tie with Senegal after learning that his Surrey home was broken into on Saturday night.
Sterling was forced to fly back from the World Cup after burglars smashed into his home.
It has since emerged that his wife and children were at home during the time of the break-in.
The FA had said before kick-off that Sterling was missing out to deal with 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.
Sterling had started both of England’s games against Iran and USA but was then benched for the 3-0 win over Wales.
The 27-year-old has scored 21 times in 80 caps in total.
England boss Gareth Southgate says Sterling intends to return for the France quarter-final on Saturday night, but football has rightly taken a backseat currently.
Southgate said: “I really don’t know, it’s a situation he needs time to deal with, I don’t want to put any pressure on him.”
“Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”
Sterling is flying back to Qatar to make himself available for the rest of England’s World Cup campaign.
It is unlikely he will start against France given he has missed training for the last few days.
But should Southgate’s side triumph against Les Bleus, he will very likely be a key part of the squad again for a semi-final match-up against Portugal or Morocco.
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