Raheem Sterling was missing as England recorded a 3-0 win over Senegal in the World Cup Round of 16, with many wondering if the £50m man will be back for the France game.
The 28-year-old returned to the United Kingdom to check on the wellbeing of his family just days before the win over Senegal, following an armed burglary on his home in Surrey, in which jewellery and watches were stolen.
Sterling’s partner and young children were home at the time, so he was understandably keen to get back to London.
Will Sterling be back for France game?
After the burglary, nobody could begrudge the Chelsea No.17 for wanting to stay in London and protect his family.
However, Sterling is now flying back to Qatar ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against France on Saturday at 7pm.
The Kingston-born forward is expected to return to England’s World Cup base in Al Wakrah on Friday, where he will attempt to get himself back up to speed after missing the 3-0 win over Senegal and a handful of training sessions.
It remains to be seen if Gareth Southgate starts Sterling against France, after Phil Foden, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka performed so well against Senegal.
Nevertheless, it will be great to see the England international back in Qatar, and Southgate will surely be pleased to have another world class option available for selection.
So far in Qatar, Sterling has scored one goal and one assist in two World Cup appearances, having watched the 3-0 win over Wales from the bench.
Sterling return represents a selection headache for England
He may be struggling at Chelsea following his £50m move from Manchester City, scoring just three goals in 12 Premier League appearances so far, but there is no denying that Sterling is a world class forward.
Southgate was expected to start his No.10 against Senegal, having rested him against Wales along with others who started against Iran and the United States.
Therefore, Sterling is surely considered to be a starter, and Southgate now has a selection headache.
It would be a simple decision if Saka or Foden performed poorly against Senegal, but after their excellent displays, it is truly a mystery as to who starts with Kane in attack against France.
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