Raheem Sterling has decided to return to the England World Cup field ahead of the team’s quarter-final against France on Saturday.
Sterling, who missed England’s round of 16 win over Senegal last Sunday after returning to the UK following the robbery at his Surrey home, will rejoin the squad in Qatar on Friday. The winger has prioritized the safety of his family following the incident and has spent the week beefing up his security measures.
He was understood to have been “overwhelmed” and feared for the safety of his fiancee and three children. Jewelery and watches were among the items stolen and Surrey Police are investigating the break-in.
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England have not pressed Sterling to make a decision on whether he will return to the Al Wakrah base. But the 27-year-old’s return is a boost for Gareth Southgate before his side face the world champions. Southgate will still have to make an assessment on whether Sterling is ready to be part of the matchday squad.
Likewise, Southgate needs all the attacking tools at his disposal and will want strength in depth on the bench. Sterling, who has scored 20 goals in 81 games, had lost his place in England’s starting line-up before returning home but is one of the most experienced players in the squad and played a key role in England’s in the Euro 2020 final.
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Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are favorites to start at full-back against France, with Harry Kane sure to lead the line. Southgate also has Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and James Maddison as options in wide areas.