England return to World Cup base ahead of France quarter-final

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England return to World Cup base ahead of France quarter-final

Sergino Dest of the United States left and England's Raheem Sterling fight for the ball during the World Cup group B soccer match between England and The United States at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar on November 25, 2022. ASHLEY LANDIS AP AL RAYYAN, Qatar -- England - Raheem Sterling will return to their World Cup base in time for the quarter-final clash with France this weekend, the FA said on Thursday after the forward returned home after a robbery at his residence.

Sterling didn't play a part in the 3 -- 0 win over Senegal in the last 16, leaving Qatar last weekend to return to his family.

The Chelsea forward is temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday ahead of the quarter-finals with France, the FA said in a statement.

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England play France on Saturday, hoping to dethrone the world champions and reach the semi-finals again after they fell at the last-four hurdle in Russia four years ago.

Sterling made two appearances in the group stages, grabbing a goal and assisting in the 6 -- 2 win over Iran in England's opener.

But he will be competing for a spot in the starting lineup with Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, who have both scored three goals in Qatar as well as Phil Foden.

ALSO READ: England's Saka ready to step up for penalty duties at the World Cup.

If England goes through, they will play the winners of the quarter-finals between Portugal and surprise package Morocco.