Sterling to return to England squad ahead of France game after burglary scare

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    Raheem Sterling will return to the England squad on Friday, the Football Association have announced.

    Chelsea star Sterling left the group on Sunday ahead of the World Cup last-16 tie against Senegal to attend a family matter, which was later revealed to be a break-in at his family home in Surrey

    A spokesperson for the former Manchester City man said he left the camp to "prioritise the wellbeing" of his three young children. But he will now return to the set-up in time for the Three Lions' crunch quarter-final against France on Saturday night.

    READ MORE: Man Utd legend 'helping' Iran star who netted vs England secure Premier League move

    A statement from the FA released on Thursday said: "Raheem Sterling will return to England's World Cup base in Qatar The Chelsea forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday (9 December) ahead of the quarter-final with France."

    The news will come as a significant boost to Southgate and the Three Lions as they bid to make it to a second successive World Cup semi-final.

    Despite his underwhelming club form, Sterling is one of Southgate's most trusted players and started England's opening two games in Qatar.

    He played 71 minutes in the 6-2 victory over Iran, scoring the third goal in the comprehensive rout, before getting another 68 minutes of action in the 0-0 draw against USA.

    Sterling was understood to have been left "shaken" following the break-in at his home. Jewellery and watches were among the items stolen during the burglary, which is being investigated by Surrey police.

    Although the 28-year-old is now expected to return to the England squad on Friday, Southgate will still need to decide whether he believes Sterling is ready to be a part of the matchday squad on Saturday.

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