Southgate Confirms Sterling Has Left England World Cup Squad After Armed Break-In At The Striker's Home

Gareth Southgate confirmed that Raheem Sterling left the British World Cup squad after an armed intrusion was reported at the striker's family's home.

• Sterling started the first two matches
• Chelsea winger is absent on Sunday
• Armed invaders were reported to break into the house

WHAT HAPPENED?

Source: bbc

Sterling, who started his first two matches in Qatar, was absent in the squad for their last 16 victories against Sénégal. According to the BBC Sport report, the 27 -year -old man is returning to London after breaking into the armed invaders at his family's home.

WHAT WAS SAID?

When asked if Sterling would return to the World Cup in Qatar, Southgate told ITV Sport after Senegal's victory: ''We’ve got to wait and see. At the moment, clearly the priority is for him to be with his family. We’re going to support that, and leave him to have as much time as he needs. He’s going home. At the moment it’s a situation that he needs time with his family to deal with, and I don’t want to put him under any pressure with that. Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing, and family should come first.''

THE BIGGER PICTURE:

Source: telegraph

He initially made a statement before booting against Sénégal confirmed that Sterling had withdrawn from the team. "Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter,'' the statement read. The game on Sunday is the first time Sterling has not started the match for the knockout match at a major tournament since EURO 2012.

WHAT NEXT FOR STERLING?

It is unclear whether Sterling will be available to choose for the quarterfinals, where Britain will join the World Cup 2018 winners.