Raheem Sterling leaves England’s World Cup squad in Qatar to return to England after gunmen broke into his home on Saturday.
It is believed his family was home in Surrey during the incident.
Sterling was understandably shaken by the news and decided to leave the tournament in Qatar to be with his family.
Sources close to the player say Sterling’s steadfast commitment to England has not changed and only the well-being of his family could see him leaving the tournament at such a crucial time.
The 27-year-old could still decide to return to Qatar if the circumstances are right.
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England announced just before their first knockout round match against Senegal, which England won 3-0, that Sterling would not be available for selection due to a “family matter”.
Southgate confirmed Sterling would return to Britain after the win that set in motion a quarter-final with France on Saturday.
He said: “Right now his priority is clearly being with his family.
“We will support that and make sure he has as much time as he needs.”
Asked if Sterling could rejoin the squad at some point in Qatar, he added: “I really don’t know.
“Right now it’s a situation where he needs time with his family and I don’t want to put any pressure on him with that.
“Sometimes football is not the most important thing and family should come first.”
Captain Harry Kane, who scored the second goal in the win, added: “Our thoughts are with him and his family. We have to take it day by day.
“We send him our best and hope to see him as soon as possible.”
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(Photo: Getty Images)