BREAKING NEWS: Raheem Sterling returns to England training for the first time since flying home to deal with burglary drama, as Gareth Southgate boasts a fully-fit squad on the eve of France quarter-final
Raheem Sterling has returned to England training for the first time since he returned home after his family home was burgled as Gareth Southgate boasted a fully fit squad ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter final.
Sterling, 28, returned to the UK on Sunday night after it emerged his house in Surrey had been burgled triggering security concerns for his family.
The Chelsea star has flown back to the England camp and was spotted in training for the first time since the incident.
Raheem Sterling has returned to England training for the first time since his home was burgled
The Three Lions star takes a training bib as he is put through his paces by Steve Holland
Sterling receives a hug from England teammate Conor Coady as he’s welcomed back in Qatar
Sterling stands alongside Chelsea teammate Mason Mount as England prepare for France
Sterling took part in a group drill alongside captain Harry Kane, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Bukayo Saka as England assistant coach Steve Holland issued his instructions.
He is likely to be on the bench, given the recent turmoil, against France in Saturday’s quarter-final.
On Thursday, Southgate expressed his backing for Sterling, saying: ‘He has felt the need to support his family and to be there for his family and that is a simple decision for me – I have to support the player.
‘I remember Fabian Delph going home, his wife was expecting in Russia we did the same thing.
The 28-year-old returned to the UK on Sunday after his family home was burgled in Surrey
‘There are moments for every individual where family becomes most important. I’m always supportive of that.
‘Of course I want the best players available and want to win football matches but as a manager you have to recognise there are certain moments in people’s lives that are more important at that particular time.’
On Sterling’s availability for the game against France, Southgate added: ‘We will have to assess that. He has missed a lot of training and had two long flights.
‘That is not good preparation for a game of this standard but let’s see how he is.’
More to follow.
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