By Victor Kanayo
England winger Raheem Sterling is to return to Qatar before Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.
The Chelsea player, 28, flew back to England on Sunday following a break-in at his family home in Surrey.
Sterling’s spokesperson said he left the England camp to “prioritise the wellbeing” of his three young children.
But the Football Association (FA) have now confirmed that Sterling will rejoin the Three Lions squad ahead of Saturday’s huge quarter-final against France.
An FA statement on Thursday said: “Raheem Sterling will return to England’s World Cup base in Qatar.
“The Chelsea forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday December 9 ahead of the quarter-final with France.”
He missed England’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16.
Sterling, who has 81 international caps, scored for England in a 6-2 win against Iran in their opening game at the World Cup.
He also started the goalless draw against the United States before being an unused substitute in the 3-0 win against Wales that saw England qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
His representative had said Sterling’s family was at home on Saturday when there were “armed intruders”.
The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward was said to be “shaken” and concerned for the wellbeing of his children.
No arrests have been made yet in relation to the break-in at Sterling’s home.
Southgate will need to assess whether Sterling is ready to be part of the matchday squad for the game against France.
Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are favourites to start on the flanks against France, with Harry Kane certain to lead the line.
Southgate also has Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and James Maddison as options in wide areas.
