Sterling did not feature in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Senegal and the FA said before the game that the Chelsea striker was “dealing with a family matter”.
Sources have confirmed that armed robbers broke into Sterling’s home on Saturday night while his family was there.
Sterling was shocked by the news and as soon as he heard about the incident, he wanted to return home to check on the welfare of his three children.
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Sterling has been determined to play a big part for England in Qatar and it is understood that only his concern for his children pushed him to quit the squad and return home.
Asked if he will feature again for England at the World Cup, Southgate said after the Senegal game: “We have to wait and see.
“At the moment, the priority is for him to be with his family and we will support that and give him the time he needs.”
Bringing up the possibility of Sterling returning to the England squad, Southgate said: “I really don’t know.
“At the moment it’s a situation that he needs time with his family to deal with and I don’t want to put pressure on him. Sometimes football is not the most important thing and family should come first.”
England captain Harry Kane said: “Obviously our thoughts are with him and his family. Obviously it’s a private matter but it’s never easy to see one of your teammates and friends have to deal with something like that.
“We will have to take it day by day. I’m sure Raheem will talk to the manager and make the best decision for him and his family, and that’s the most important thing. From us and the team, we have sent him the best possible and we hope to see him as soon as possible”.
Kalidou Koulibaly, Sterling’s team-mate at Chelsea, said: “I didn’t know. I’m really shocked. I hope his family is OK. I’ll call him now and see what’s happened to him. I hope he’s OK and his family be good”.