Flight: Sterling returns to A'Cup after UK visit

England striker Raheem Sterling will arrive in Qatar on Friday (tomorrow) ahead of the World Cup quarter-final match between England and France on Saturday.

According to a report from Sky Sports, the player will return to England's World Cup base to join training for the England squad.

The PUNCH reported on December 5 that Sterling left Qatar after armed intruders broke into his UK home while his family was inside. He also missed England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the Round of 16.

He was dropped from the squad due to a "family problem" shortly before kick-off.

It was determined that Sterling wanted to return home as soon as he was alerted to the break-in, having been very shaken and worried for the welfare of his children.

Manager Gareth Southgate then confirmed Sterling was returning to the UK and said he would not pressure him to return to Qatar, adding that family is most important.

Southgate said: "I really don't know, it's a situation he needs time to deal with, I don't want to put pressure on him."

"Sometimes football is not the most important thing and family has to come first."

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