England once again has a complete roster for the 2022 World Cup. According to a statement issued by the team on Thursday, Raheem Sterling is set to return to the camp after previously taking a leave of absence and will be at Gareth Southgate’s disposal for the upcoming quarter-finals match against France.
Sterling left Qatar for England after the tournament’s group stage to take “attend to a family matter.”
Sterling started the first two matches of the group stage, scoring in England’s opener against Iran and playing 68 minutes in the draw against the United States. He was left on the bench in the final game against Wales and then missed the Round of 16 win against Senegal.
Even with Sterling back for the match against France, it would be surprising to see him start the match. The Chelsea star will most likely be left on the bench in favor of in-form Phil Foden, like in the Wales game, and might only get a shot if things don’t go England’s way.
England entered the 2022 World Cup tournament as one of the favorites to win it all, following a fourth-place finish in 2018 and a silver medal at the EURO 2020. The team has delivered some convincing performances in Qatar so far, but many believe the game against France is their first real test.
