Raheem Sterling World Cup 2022: Why England Star Was Absent vs Senegal

• Raheem Sterling has been excused from England's World Cup squad following an incident at his family home
• The winger was absent during their clash against Senegal as the Three Lions punched in their quarter-final ticket
• He becomes the second England star to leave the squad after Ben White who left with no specified reasons

England star Raheem Sterling was forced to fly home after armed intruders broke into his home while he was in Qatar.

Head Coach Gareth Southgate allowed the Chelsea forward to head back home after the horrific incident, which left his family traumatised.

Prior to their round of 16 clash against Senegal at the Al Bayt Stadium, the Football Association released a statement confirming that the forward would be absent in their match-up against the African champions.

The Three Lions didn't need Sterling either, as they made light work of the Teranga Lions with goals from Jordan Henderson, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane, ensuring progression to the last 8.

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Family shaken

Al Jazeera reports that Sterling felt the need to be with his children, who were shaken after their run-in with armed intruders. He has received full backing from Southgate, who has stated that he will be given as much time as he wants away.

"Family at these moments is the most important thing. So we want to give him that space. And we’ll see how that all develops over the next few days," Southgate said.

It now remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old will be available for England's showdown against the defending champions France on Saturday.

France booked their spot in the quarterfinals after another scintillating display from Kylian Mbappe against Poland.

Ben White

Sterling is the second England player to leave camp. Sports Brief had earlier reported that Arsenal defender Ben White had cut short his 2022 World Cup campaign with England after flying back home from Qatar.

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White was among the 26 players named in Gareth Southgate's team for the tournament, which kicked off on Sunday, November 20.

However, despite his inclusion in the team, the Arsenal centre-back was yet to make an appearance for the Three Lions at the ongoing tournament. The former Brighton star was named as a substitute in two of England's openers against Iran and the USA, but failed to make the squad in the final Group B fixture against Wales.

England will be ready for France

Sports Brief has also reported that Gareth Southgate admits England will face the "biggest test" of their World Cup ambitions when they face holders France in a blockbuster quarter-final on Saturday.

Southgate's side recovered from a nervous start before powering to a 3-0 win against Senegal in Sunday's last 16 clash at the Al Bayt Stadium.

England will return to the Al Khor desert at the weekend for a titanic showdown with a France side looking to become the first team to win successive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962

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