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Topics: Football World Cup, Raheem Sterling, England, Football
Ryan Sidle
Topics: Football World Cup, Raheem Sterling, England, Football
The police statement on the break-in at Raheem Sterling's house has confirmed that his family weren't at home when the incident took place.
On Sunday evening, it was reported that Sterling was not available for England's World Cup last 16 clash with Senegal due to 'personal reasons.'
The Chelsea forward had lost his starting place in the final group game with Wales but has also been an integral member of Gareth Southgate's team for the past few years.
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His absence, along with Southgate's decision to remove Marcus Rashford from the XI, allowed Bukayo Saka to get back into his starting line up and Phil Foden to keep his place, with the pair combining for England's third.
After the match it was revealed that there had been a 'robbery' at Sterling's home in England, with his family reportedly at home when the break-in occurred.
Gareth Southgate confirmed that the forward would be leaving the national team in the Middle East and heading back to London to be with his family.
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The player was 'shaken,' according to his spokesperson, and was concerned for the wellbeing of his children, which is very understandable.
Now a police statement on Monday has confirmed that the player's family were not actually at home during the burglary.
"We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead," the statement said.
"The occupants of the property came home and discovered a number of items, including jewellery and watches, had been stolen. Enquiries to establish the circumstances are under way and the investigation is ongoing.
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"No threat of violence was involved as the items were discovered stolen retrospectively."
Sterling's departure from camp on Monday means it is extremely unlikely he will be ready to take part in the match vs France in the quarter finals.
The two sides meet in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time on Saturday night so, even if he returns to Qatar in time, it's unlikely he'll be starting.
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The 27-year-old's Three Lions teammate Jordan Henderson showed support of the former Manchester City man following the win over Senegal.
Henderson was excellent in midfield, alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, and was spotted wearing the number 10 shorts, which belong to Sterling.