Sterling apologised for late England arrival - Southgate

Gareth Southgate says Raheem Sterling apologised to England team-mates after reporting late to a World Cup training camp.

Manchester City forward Sterling was due to arrive at the camp on Tuesday but was delayed due to a mix-up with his flights from Jamaica back to the United Kingdom.

Sterling has been the subject of a tabloid controversy this week after he was pictured with a tattoo of an assault rifle on his right leg.

But Southgate is ready to move on from Sterling's late arrival as England prepare for their first pre-World Cup friendly, against Nigeria at Wembley on Saturday.

"In fairness to him, he wanted to apologise to the group, explained his commitment to the team, and it’s done," Southgate told reporters.

"Everybody moved on. That's part of the long discussion we had when we went for a walk.

"He was given off until the Tuesday night and he arrived on the Wednesday morning. So, he was late. That was dealt with. And we discussed it as a group and moved on.

"There was a mix-up on flights and a connection. We haven't hid anything on that. I think we said he was due to meet on Tuesday night but missed that.

"We know the world we live in. Nothing stays private. So if those situations happen, they are going to be out there. There there is a requirement to answer questions on them, and the possibility they become a bigger issue than they might."

Sterling is expected to be one of England's key players in Russia and Southgate was unwilling to offer details on what punishment, if any, the attacker was given.

"I had a discussion with the player, we come to an agreement. And then I have to say, he's trained brilliantly all week," Southgate said.

"He's so keen for this tournament to be a success for him and the team. There was nothing intentional in his lateness.

"But, of course, I'd given him a bit of extra time so he understood why it was more important to get back earlier than he was able to."

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed