Southgate willing to wait for Chelsea attacker Sterling return

Posted Tuesday, December 06, 2022 by Tribalfootball.com

England coach Gareth Southgate will not place pressure on Raheem Sterling to return to the World Cup squad this week.

Sterling is prioritising his family's safety before contemplating heading back to Doha after a home invasion. He will deal with the police investigation over the next 48 hours.

England staff are in touch with Sterling but Chelsea are taking a lead role while he is in England.

Shortly before Sunday's match, representatives for the Chelsea forward said armed intruders were involved and the player's family were at home at the time. Surrey Police then issued an updated statement, saying that they had received no reports of armed raiders and the burglary was discovered when occupants returned from a foreign trip.

A Surrey police spokesman said: "The occupants returned to the address after an international trip. They contacted police to report a number of items of jewellery, including watches, had been stolen. We are aware of media reports stating there were armed suspects involved, however, at this time, we would reassure our communities that no witnesses have come forward to this effect."