Raheem Sterling misses England's clash with Senegal due to 'family matter'

Raheem Sterling is set to miss England’s World Cup round of 16 clash with Senegal due to a ‘family matter’ which requires his immediate attention.

News broke earlier today that England manager Gareth Southgate had opted to start Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden in Sunday’s knockout match, sparking rumours that Sterling would miss out in order to accomodate the inclusion of two other wide players.

Though the Chelsea winger was still expected to start on the bench, England have now confirmed on their official Twitter account that Sterling will miss the match altogether.

As a result, Southgate will have to rely on Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish from the bench if either Saka or Foden has to come off for any reason. While these are good options, Sterling is one of England’s most experienced players and consistent performers alongside Harry Kane, and he will no doubt be a significant loss for his country.

It will be the first time Sterling has missed a knockout match at an international tournament since making his debut for England back in 2012.

The Three Lions’ Euro 2012 defeat against Italy was the last time they entered the knockout stages of a tournament without the 27-year-old in the side.

England take on Senegal at the Al Bayt Stadium knowing that a win would see them face off against 2018 World Cup winners France in the quarter-finals.

Les Bleus breezed past Poland earlier on Sunday to secure their own place in the final 8 teams vying for glory in Qatar.