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Gareth Southgate confirms Raheem Sterling is flying home as ‘some things more important’
Gareth Southgate confirms Raheem Sterling is flying home as 'some things more important',After Raheem Sterling did not feature in England's 3-0 victory over Senegal in the World Cup quarter final, Gareth Southgate has confirmed he will be flying back to England

Gareth Southgate confirms Raheem Sterling is flying home as ‘some things more important’

England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed Raheem Sterling will be flying back home.

The Chelsea winger played no role in the Three Lions 3-0 victory over Senegal in the Round of 16 stages of the World Cup. His home was broken into by robbers while his partner and young children were at home.

When news of this reached the forward in Qatar, Sterling was deemed as unavailable to Southgate before the match. However, it may not play any further role to the Three Lions as he is going to fly back to England to be with his family.

Read More: Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Raheem Sterling's departure from England World Cup squad

Southgate confirmed the news after the match. "Look, we have to wait and see," Southgate said when asked about his absence. "I mean at the moment, the priority is for him to e with his family.

"We are going to support that and make sure he has as much time as he needs. When asked if that means he is going home, Southgate quickly replied, "yea he is going home.

When further pushed about the possibility of Sterling returning to the England fold, Southgate refused to put a time limit on it. "I really don't know.

Raheem Sterling departed from England's squad due to personal reasons before the nation's match with Senegal (Image: The FA via Getty Images)

"At the moment, it is a situation he needs time with his family to deal with. I don't want to put him under any pressure with that.

"Sometimes, football is not the most important thing and family should come first." Sterling scored his first ever World Cup goal when the Three Lions impressively beat Iran 6-2.

He also started England's 0-0 draw against the USA.

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