RAHEEM STERLING is ready to return to the World Cup with England.
The Chelsea winger could even fly back to Qatar today to link up with the squad, who are preparing for Saturday’s quarter-final tie with world champions France.
GettyRaheem Sterling is ready to return to Qatar following the burglary on his house[/caption]
Sterling, 27, pulled out of the squad ahead of the 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal following a burglary at his home in Surrey.
He has been waiting for some final assurances over security for his family before taking a flight back to Doha.
Sterling has three children in total, two of whom are with fiancée Paige Milian.
The break-in left his family deeply upset and manager Gareth Southgate gave his full support over the player returning to England.
Surrey police confirmed that £300,000 worth of watches and jewellery was taken over the weekend.
Sterling’s exit was a big shock to the players, following Ben White’s departure for personal reasons.
Even if Sterling returns, he would most likely be a substitute against France.
England footballers were told of the break-in during a team meeting hours before kick-off.
And several of his fellow stars are thinking about ramping up their own home and personal security. The team also offered their support to Sterling.
Bukayo Saka revealed his final message before jetting home.
Asked about Sterling on Monday, Saka said: “He wished us the best yesterday as he was going back and I’ve messaged him and hopefully he will get back to me later – I am just hoping he and his family are okay.”
And skipper Harry Kane is said to be helping to calm other members in the camp who may be concerned about the raid.
A Three Lions source said: “Harry knows the players’ families are really shaken up by what has happened and that is a worry for the players themselves.
“He sees it as his job as skipper to keep the morale of the team up and to focus everyone on the France match.”