ENGLAND'S RAHEEM STERLING WILL MISS THE MATCH AGAINST SENEGAL DUE TO A FAMILY MATTER
ENGLAND'S RAHEEM STERLING WILL MISS THE MATCH AGAINST SENEGAL DUE TO A FAMILY MATTER
By Rashmi Goel
It has been reported that Sterling will miss England's game against Senegal on Wednesday due to a family matter that requires immediate attention owing to armed intruders raiding the home he lives in. That’s the most important thing. Earlier today, it was announced that England manager Gareth Southgate has elected to place Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden in the starting xi for Sunday's knockout match, causing rumors that Sterling would be snubbed to accommodate the inclusion of five players on the wide side.
While there was still speculation that Sterling would start on the bench, England confirmed on their official Twitter account today that Sterling will not play in this game at all. In this circumstance, Southgate will have to rely on Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish when it comes to the bench if either Saka or Foden has to be taken off due to injury or any other reason. Sterling is likely to be a significant loss for England, as he is one of the most experienced players and a consistent performer along with Harry Kane, and he will no doubt be a significant loss for the team.
After making his debut for England back in 2012, Sterling's absence from a knockout match in an international tournament will be the first time in his career that he has missed a knockout match. It is important to note that the Three Lions were defeated against Italy at Euro 2012 - the last time the team went into the knockout stage of a tournament without the 27-year-old playing in it. At the Al Bayt Stadium, England takes on Senegal with the knowledge that they will face the World Cup winners France in the quarterfinals if they win the match.
