Having left England's FIFA World Cup camp after his house was broken into, the Football Association has confirmed the imminent return of Raheem Sterling.
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Sterling, who missed the Three Lions' 3-0 round of 16 victory over Senegal after flying back to the United Kingdom following the robbery at his Surrey home, will rejoin the squad in Qatar on Friday.
The attacker makes a timely return to England's Al Wakrah training base after making the necessary security alterations to his home this past week.
The Chelsea forward was reportedly left fearing for his family's safety after burglars broke into his home and made off with £300 000 (R6.2 million) worth of jewellery and watches.
England did not put any pressure on Sterling to make a decision on whether or not to return to the team, but the news that the 28-year-old is on his way back to the tournament will be a welcome boost for Gareth Southgate before his charges take to the pitch against reigning world champions France on Saturday.
Southgate will still need to assess whether or not the pacey attacker is ready to be part of the matchday squad, though. The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward, who has 20 goals in 81 international caps, has been unable to be a part of any preparations this week having had to deal with a difficult personal ordeal.
However, the England head coach will likely need every attacking tool at his disposal to thwart the French, and will want strength in depth on the bench.
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Sterling lost his place in England's starting XI before flying home last week, but being one of the more experienced players in the squad and having played a vital role in Southgate's side reaching last year's UEFA European Championship final, it is likely the former Middlesbrough boss will look to utilise the Jamaica-born attacker.
In a statement, as per Sky Sports News, the FA said: "Raheem Sterling will return to England's World Cup base in Qatar.
"The 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."
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