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Whether or not football is coming home is probably up to which English fan you ask. But England, after reaching the finals of the last European championship, is now in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The English have not won the World Cup since 1966 with a squad led by West Ham United legend Bobby Moore.
While there’s still a long way to go before they can claim the 2022 World Cup, advancing to the semifinals would be a massive step toward that goal.
That’s because the English have a juggernaut standing in their way in the form of defending World Cup champion France. The French are the first reigning champion to reach the quarterfinals since Brazil did so in 2006. They’re led by Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe as well as all-time leading goalscorer Olivier Giroud.
But England has plenty of talent in its own right. Tottenham striker Harry Kane is one of the most lethal goalscorers on the planet while wingers Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are two of the best young players on the planet.
And England may also have a secret weapon it’s ready to unleash that didn’t have access to in the round of 16 against Senegal.
Raheem Sterling Set To Make Surprise Return For England Against France In Quarterfinals
Chelsea FC winger Raheem Sterling started each of England’s first two World Cup matches, scoring a goal in their tournament-opening 6-2 victory over Iran.
But Sterling abruptly left the tournament just prior to England’s round of 16 showdown with Senegal due to personal reasons. We now know that Sterling returned to England after a home invasion and burglary that left members of his family rattled.
Sterling then said that he wasn’t sure if he’d return to Qatar for the rest of the World Cup, according to sources.
Now it appears he’s made that decision.
Raheem Sterling will return to England’s @FIFAWorldCup base in Qatar.
The #ThreeLions forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah tomorrow ahead of the quarter-final with France. pic.twitter.com/3bxzAVP3cQ
— England (@England) December 8, 2022
England’s official Twitter account announced Thursday morning that Sterling would return to Qatar and rejoin the team. His addition gives the Three Lions yet another dangerous attack. The winger has 20 goals in 81 matches for his country and had become a regular starter for manager Gareth Southgate.
While it’s unlikely he stars on such short notice, a cameo appearance off the bench is not out of the question.