World Cup 2022: Raheem Sterling returns to England camp in time for France clash

Raheem Sterling England training
(Image credit: Getty)

Raheem Sterling has returned to England’s World Cup 2022 training camp ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against France.

The Chelsea forward travelled to England last weekend due to a “family matter” and missed the last 16 win over Senegal.

Subsequent reports revealed that Sterling’s home had been burgled and he wanted to check on his family, who weren’t at home during the break-in.

But he has flown back to Qatar in time to be in contention for Gareth Southgate’s side against France.

“Great to have you back,” England’s Twitter account said.

Sterling started in England’s first two World Cup games, scoring one goal and setting up another in the opening 6-2 win over Iran.

He was left on the bench for the 3-0 win over Wales, before missing the Senegal clash.

Sterling now faces a tough task to reclaim a starting spot due to the impressive form of Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, while Marcus Rashford is also pushing for a place after scoring three goals in Qatar.

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.