Raheem Sterling returns to England squad for World Cup and appeals for France availability

Raheem Sterling is set to join the Three Lions World Cup squad after returning to England to deal with a robbery at his family home. The Chelsea ace would have made himself available for the crunch quarter-final with France on Saturday, although he is expected to start on the bench.

Sterling is one of the most experienced players in Gareth Southgate's ranks and he started the first two matches in Qatar. He withdrew from the matchday squad shortly before Sunday's 3-0 win over Senegal after a robbery at his home in Surrey.

The Chelsea star quickly made the decision to return to England and watch over his family, who were reportedly shaken by the incident. Sterling has always hoped to return before the quarter-finals, and his return was confirmed via an FA statement released on Thursday.

"Raheem Sterling will return to England's World Cup base in Qatar," it read. "The Chelsea striker has left temporarily to take care of a family matter but is now expected to join the squad at Al Wakrah on Friday December 9 ahead of the quarter-final with France."

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According to the , Sterling has made himself available to play against France although it is likely to be from the bench. Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden acquitted themselves well flanking Harry Kane against Senegal as the former scored his third goal of the tournament and the latter assisted twice.

After advancing to the quarter-finals, Southgate declined to speculate on whether Sterling would return to the squad permanently and insisted the 28-year-old would have all the time he needed. This week, a spokesperson for Sterling said his family was present during the robbery and that the culprits were armed.

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However, Surrey Police, who are still investigating the incident and have not made any arrests, say there is no evidence the robbers were armed and that Sterling's family were not not present. The winger is a dominant figure in Southgate's side with 20 goals in 81 appearances during his international career.

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