- Head coach Gareth Southgate says “family has to come first”
- Raheem Sterling misses the Senegal tie and may not return to Qatar
- Raheem Sterling is taking time away from the World Cup after armed intruders broke into his home
Raheem Sterling’s home was raided by armed invaders on Saturday, while his partner and young children were in the house.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 5, 2022
Raheem’s hugely committed to England but wanted to get home, supported by Southgate, the FA and all teammates.
He will decide if/when will be time to return. pic.twitter.com/rdiZ3LVxub
Raheem Sterling returns home from the Qatar World Cup after armed intruders break into his home, according to The Guardian. That’s not good news. But England will not be rushing to bring Sterling back. According to Southgate, the team will give him “as much time as he needs”.
The England head coach said: “I really don’t know because at the moment it’s a situation that he needs to be with his family to deal with. I don’t want to put him under any pressure with this. Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family has to come first.”
England’s captain, Harry Kane, said: “Our thoughts are with him and his family. It’s a private matter, but it’s never easy to see one of your teammates and friends deal with something like that. We’ll have to take it day by day. I’m sure Raheem will speak to the manager and take the best decision for him and his family. That’s the most important thing. We send him our best wishes and hope to see him as soon as possible.”
BREAKING: England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed Raheem Sterling will be heading back to the UK. pic.twitter.com/SWXi0ojBmz
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 4, 2022