Raheem Sterling sets condition for World Cup return ahead of England vs France

Raheem Sterling will not return to Qatar until he has the right assurances that his family are safe.

The England and Chelsea winger had to dash home from the Middle East after news that his family home had been burgled. Thankfully, none of his family were at home during the time of the burglary, but understandably, the winger was still left very concerned for the safety of his family.

Sterling rushed home to his family after the news reached Qatar, missing England’s clash with Senegal, and his participation in Saturday’s quarter-final with France is in doubt. But World Cup football is not Sterling’s priority, and he is not rushing back to the Middle East to fulfil his footballing dreams.

A source told The Sun: “Raheem has told everyone, ‘There is no way I’m going anywhere unless I’m 100 per cent sure that my family can be kept safe’. He is security conscious and part of the reason they moved into the property was that it is on a very exclusive estate, with regular security patrols.

“Despite this, he has still managed to be targeted, which is very upsetting for Raheem and Paige. They have just moved back to London and want to feel safe.”

According to the report, Sterling’s wife and children were initially with him in Qatar, and they returned to their home in Oxshott, Surrey, after England progressed through the group stage. Investigations are ongoing into the burglary, and Sterling is said to have met with police to determine the next steps and the safety of his family.

It’s reported the burglars have targeted three Chelsea stars previously, and understandably, Sterling wants to be absolutely sure his family are safe before he hops on a plane bound for Qatar. In the meantime, Gareth Southgate will be preparing for the France clash without one of his leading wingers, at least for now.