Sterling update on England World Cup plans after family home hit by burglary

Raheem Sterling is considering re-joining England's World Cup campaign.

Chelsea star Sterling, 27, hopes to to fly back to Qatar on Thursday after a burglary at his home in Surrey last weekend. The England forward is waiting on final assurances over security before returning to Qatar as he does not want to put his family at risk.

The break-in by raiders left Sterling's partner Paige and three children badly shaken and he was allowed to fly back home before Sunday's game with Senegal. Sterling is desperate to be part of the squad to prepare for Saturday's quarter final with France.

Surrey Police have confirmed that watches and jewellery were taken but revealed no one was home at the time of the break-in. "We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead," read a police statement on Monday.

"On Saturday, 3 December, the occupants returned to the address after arriving home from an international trip. They contacted police just before 9pm to report a number of items of jewellery, including watches, had been stolen.

"Officers attended the address later that night and returned to speak to the occupants this morning. At this time it remains unclear on which date the property was stolen and establishing this forms a key part of our investigation.

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"Enquiries into the full circumstances remain ongoing and officers will look at all available evidence including any CCTV opportunities.

"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 and there are no reports of any threats of violence linked to this incident. Anyone with information should contact police directly if they have not already been spoken to. No arrests have been made at this time."

Surrey Police have since confirmed two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary in the same village as Sterling's home, but they are not in connection to the investigation involving the Premier League footballer.

Sterling wants to be involved in England's World Cup campaign. He is one of Gareth Southgate's most important players and has won 81 senior caps since making his debut in 2012, scoring 20 goals. The Qatar World Cup is his fifth major international tournament.

The former Manchester City star helped England reach the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley in July 2021, where they lost to Italy on penalties. He scored in England's 6-2 win against Iran at the ongoing tournament and also started the goalless draw against the USA.

Southgate does have plenty of depth in Sterling's position. Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden both scored in the 3-0 win against Wales, while Bukayo Saka scored in the 3-0 win against Senegal. Despite this, Southgate would still love to have Sterling available.

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