Why did Raheem Sterling return home and miss match vs Senegal?
The England striker missed the game against Senegal after his home in London was robbed. “I can’t say if he’ll be back,” Southgate said.
England forcefully beat Senegal 3-0 but without Raheem Sterling.
According to the English coach, Gareth Southgate, the Chelsea player’s London home was robbed on Saturday, the night before the World Cup round of 16. Sterling was in Qatar when armed intruders entered his home in London, where his family was.
With the permission of the Federation, Sterling chose to return to London temporarily to check on his family and make sure they were okay. He did not take leaving the World Cup lightly, but family always comes first.
It is expected, however, that if the circumstances are alright, Sterling will rejoin the Three Lions concentration before the quarterfinal match against France, which will take place next Saturday.
Southgate: “football is not the most important thing in life”
Southgate also added that Sterling “needs time with his family to deal with that and I don’t want to push him to do it. When will he come back? I don’t know, I can’t tell you right now. Sometimes football is not the most important thing, family comes first. The priority for him right now is to be with his family, “confirmed the coach.
In statements to ITV, Harry Kane sent support to both himself and his family and assured that, although it is a “private matter”, it is never easy to see a colleague in this situation. “We will see how it evolves day by day. I’m sure Raheem will talk to the coach and make the best decision for him and his family. That is the most important. We send him our encouragement and we hope to see him as soon as possible”, added the captain.
Without Sterling in the eleven, Phil Foden started again and shone against Senegal. Thanks to a backheel from the Manchester City winger, England set off a counterattack that was resolved by Jordan Henderson. And despite the fact that the 27-year-old might be back against France, it is not clear whether he will recover his starting place, precisely because of Foden’s good work.