Will the English be able to count on an additional offensive weapon to face the reigning world champions? Returned home after a violent burglary which took place in the presence of his family, Sterling will return to the English selection. A hypothesis first mentioned by the BBC this Thursday morning, before being confirmed at the end of the morning by the English federation (FA).
“The Three Lions striker has left temporarily to deal with a family issue but is expected to join the squad at Al Wakrah tomorrow (Friday) ahead of the quarter-final against France,” the FA wrote on Twitter. The former Liverpool and Manchester City player, now at Chelsea, had left the group of Three Lions Sunday after being informed of a muscular burglary, in the presence of his family, at his mansion in Oxshott in Surrey, south-east London.
Surrey police said on Tuesday that “no witness had to date corroborated” the various reports that “armed suspects are involved” in this burglary. No arrests have been made so far in connection with the burglary.
The 28-year-old, who therefore missed the round of 16 against Senegal (3-0), is an important part of Gareth Southgate’s squad. During the English opening match against Iran (6-2), he distinguished himself with a goal and an assist, before remaining silent, like his team, against the United States (0-0 ) and to be spared against Wales. With his 81 selections, Sterling is the most experienced player in the group, and certainly something to watch for the Blues if he were to play in the quarter-finals.
