World Cup 2022: Sterling to Rejoin England Squad Ahead of France Clash

• Raheem Sterling is heading back to the Qatar ahead of Saturday's last 8 match with France
• The forward left Gareth Southgate's squad before England's World Cup win over Senegal
• Sterling started the Three Lions’ first two matches but was benched for their Wales clash

Raheem Sterling is set to rejoin the England squad in Qatar, as the Chelsea winger makes his way back to the World Cup after flying home to resolve a family issue.

Sterling missed the Three Lions’ round of 16 victory over Senegal after heading home to be with his family, following a break-in by armed intruders at his residence.

Sterling's spokesperson said the 28-year-old left the England camp in Qatar to prioritise the well-being of his family, including his three young children.

According to the BBC, the England FA confirmed in a statement that the forward will now be returning to Qatar to rejoin Gareth Southgate’s squad, as they prepare for the World Cup quarter-finals.

World Cup 2022: Gareth Bale's honest answer about international future

Football

England will tackle the World Cup defending champions France in the last 8, as Southgate hopes to lead the Three Lions to a second consecutive semi-final at football’s biggest tournament.

Sterling’s return to boost England

Sterling's return to the squad does give Southgate another attacking option for Saturday's crunch World Cup quarter-final match against Les Bleus, Goal reports.

The 28-year-old winger had lost his place in England’s starting line-up against Wales, but is expected to play a key role in the Three Lions’ attack against the defending Mundial holders.

Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden both performed well in the win over Senegal and may start again on Saturday, so it's probable the Chelsea forward will once again have to be content with a spot on the bench.

Harry Kane addresses fitness concerns ahead of crunch clash with Senegal

Football

Sterling breaks silence after break-in

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that England winger Sterling vowed he would return to Qatar only when he felt his family were safe.

The Chelsea star left the Three Lions camp last week, after learning his home was broken into by armed robbers who made away with expensive jewelry.

The 27-year-old missed England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, after he was alerted to the burglary and left to ensure his loved ones were all protected.