Sterling, England…Robbery break into reason for absence of the game
The reason for England’s national striker Raheem Sterling (28, Chelsea FC)’s sudden absence from the World Cup round of 16 has been revealed. The reason is that an armed robber broke into his house.
England advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Senegal 3-0 with consecutive goals by Jordan Henderson (32, Liverpool), Harry Kane (29, Tottenham), and Bukayo Saka (21, Arsenal) in the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup at Albyte Stadium in Qatar at 4 a.m. on the 5th (Korea Standard Time).
However, Sterling’s name was missing from England’s roster. Lee’s name was missing not only from the starting lineup but also from the list of substitutes. It was actually excluded from the entry while being announced that it would be excluded due to “family history.” Sterling led England to the round of 16 with one goal and one assist in the World Cup.
The specific reason for his absence was soon revealed. Britain’s BBC explained that “Sterling left the World Cup squad and returned to London after armed robbers broke into his family’s house.”
“The (armed robbery) incident is known to have occurred on Saturday night,” he said, adding, “Sterling has three young children.”
In addition, the BBC delivered the words of Gareth Southgate (52), head coach of the England national soccer team, saying, “Sometimes the most important thing is to be a family rather than soccer.”
Earlier, the English Football Association (FA) said before the round of 16 match against Senegal, “Sterling was excluded from the list due to family problems.”
Since then, it has not been known whether Sterling will return to the World Cup team.
England will play the remaining 24 players in the World Cup due to Sterling’s departure. The English Football Association announced on the 1st that defender Ben White (25, Arsenal FC) will drop out of the World Cup national team for “personal reasons.”