ENGLAND defeated Senegal to reach a World Cup quarter-final against France.
But the win was overshadowed by the news that Raheem Sterling had left the Three Lions camp to return to the UK after an armed burglary at his home.
Why was Raheem Sterling NOT playing for England?
Raheem Sterling pulled out of England’s last-16 tie with Senegal after learning that his Surrey home was broken into on Saturday night.
Sterling was forced to fly back from the World Cup after burglars smashed into his home.
It has since emerged that his wife and children were at home during the time of the break in.
The FA had said before kick-off that Sterling was missing out to deal with a “family matter”.
The statement read: “Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
The shock announcement came just hours before the Three Lions were due to kick off against the African Cup of Nations champs.
Sterling had started both of England’s games against Iran and USA but was then benched for the 3-0 win over Wales.
The 27-year-old has scored 21 times in 80 caps in total.
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England boss Gareth Southgate says Sterling intends to return for the France quarter-final on Saturday night, but football has rightly taken a backseat currently.
Southgate said: “I really don’t know, it’s a situation he needs time to deal with, I don’t want to put any pressure on him.”
“Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
