Kalvin Phillips has said Raheem Sterling’s decision to return to England’s World Cup squad has given the team a massive lift before Saturday’s quarter-final against France.
Sterling, who missed last Sunday’s last-16 victory over Senegal after returning to the United Kingdom because of the robbery at his Surrey home, has flown back to Qatar after spending the week bolstering his security arrangements and is due to train with his teammates on Friday.
The Chelsea winger was left “shaken” and fearful for the safety of his fiancee and three children. Jewellery and watches were among the items stolen and the break-in is being investigated by Surrey police.
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Sterling has prioritised his family’s wellbeing and England, who were boosted by Declan Rice returning to training on Thursday after illness, did not put pressure on him on whether to return to the team’s Al Wakrah base. But the 28-year-old’s decision to leave the UK is good news for Gareth Southgate.
“It’s a massive lift,” Phillips said. “Raheem’s an amazing player. We’re just happy that everything’s all right and he can play a big part in the next game.
“Raheem feels good enough to join back up with us and we’re very happy that his family are OK.”
Phillips said the incident had left the rest of England’s players worrying about security at their homes. “Once one player goes through it there is always that thought in the back of your mind that it might happen to you or it could happen to somebody else,” the midfielder said.
“It’s not a really nice feeling when you are so far from home and you have family at home. There’s not really much we can do about it.”
Southgate will need to assess whether Sterling is ready to be part of the matchday squad for the game against France. Sterling, who has scored 20 goals in 81 caps, has been unable to take part in any preparations and has been through a difficult ordeal.
Equally, Southgate needs every attacking tool at his disposal and will want strength in depth on the bench. Sterling had lost his place in England’s starting lineup before flying home, but he is one of the most experienced players in the squad and played a vital role in England reaching the final of Euro 2020.
Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are favourites to start on the flanks against France, with Harry Kane certain to lead the line. Southgate also has Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and James Maddison as options in wide areas.
