KEY POINTS

  • England defeated Senegal 3-0 in Round of 16
  • Kane, Henderson and Saka were the goal scorers
  • England will take on France in quarter-final

Raheem Sterling has left the England World Cup squad in the middle tournament after some armed intruders broke into his home.

England head coach Gareth Southgate confirmed the news after his side's 3-0 win over Senegal in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

"Sometimes football isn't the most important thing and family should come first," Southgate told reporters.

After being involved in two goals (one assist and one goal) in England's 6-2 win in their campaign opener against Iran, Sterling started in his side's frustrating goalless draw against the United States Men's National Team (USMNT). The Chelsea striker was then dropped for their group fixture against Wales, where he remained an unused substitute. The left winger was not a part of England's squad for their last-16 fixture against Senegal.

It was reported some armed intruders broke into Sterling's home in London on Saturday while his family was inside. He has three young children.

"We want to give him that space and we will see over the next few days how that develops," Southgate added.

Sterling's teammate Declan Rice said, "I saw him at breakfast this morning then the manager said he had difficulties at home so we've all sent him a message."

England coach Gareth Southgate embraces forward Raheem Sterling after the Euro 2020 final
England coach Gareth Southgate embraces forward Raheem Sterling after the Euro 2020 final POOL / Paul ELLIS

Sterling was the second player to leave the England squad after Arsenal center-back Ben White, who returned to the U.K. on Nov. 30 due to personal reasons.

Two years ago, three burglars targeted a number of homes in the northwest of England, including an attempted break-in at Sterling's then-home in Cheshire.

Southgate has often trusted Sterling during major tournaments: He had started in England's all seven games at Euro 2020, where the Three Lions finished as runners-up.

On Sunday, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored goals for England in their 3-0 win.

Jude Bellingham was one of the star players for Southgate as he had a role to play in England's first two goals. He assisted the first goal, which was Henderson's maiden World Cup goal, while he was also involved in the lead-up to the second goal, which was England skipper Kane's first strike of the 2022 World Cup.

England's quarter-final clash is a big one as they will face off against reigning champions France on Saturday.

Soccer