5 Dec 2022

England forward leaves World Cup squad after family home break-in

10:59 am on 5 December 2022
England forward Raheem Sterling during the World Cup match between England v USA , in Doha, Qatar, on 25 November, 2022.

Raheem Sterling has left the England squad in Qatar after a break-in at his London home. Photo: AFP

Raheem Sterling has left the England World Cup squad in Qatar after a break-in that occurred at his home in London while his family were in.

Manager Gareth Southgate confirmed after Sunday's 3-0 last-16 win against Senegal that the 27-year-old will be flying home.

"He will go and deal with that matter and we will have to take it from there," Southgate told ITV.

It is understood the intruders were armed.

The Chelsea forward started and scored in England's 6-2 win over Iran in their opening group game before being called on again for the 0-0 draw with the United States.

Southgate opted instead to play Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden either side of Harry Kane for England's 3-0 win over Wales.

The England boss has often relied on Sterling during major tournaments; he started all seven of England's Euro 2020 matches.

- BBC

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