Raheem Sterling has returned to England training for the first time since his family’s home was broken into, 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 his Surrey home was burgled, raising security concerns for his family.
The Chelsea midfielder has returned to the England camp and has been spotted in training for the first time since the incident.
As England assistant coach Steve Holland gave his instructions, Sterling took part in a group drill with captain Harry Kane, John Stones, Kyle Walker, and Bukayo Saka.
Given the recent turmoil, he is likely to be on the bench against France..
‘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,’ Southgate said on Thursday.
‘I remember Fabian Delph going home because his wife was expecting, and we did the same thing in Russia.’
Every person has times when family is most important to them. That is something I always support.
‘Of course, I want the best players available and to win football games, but as a manager, you have to recognize that certain moments in people’s lives are more important at that time.’
Southgate said of Sterling’s availability for the game against France, ‘We will have to assess that.’
He has felt the need to support and be there for his family, and that decision is simple for me – I must support the player.
‘I remember Fabian Delph going home because his wife was expecting, and we did the same thing in Russia.’
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