Sterling played no part in England’s 3-0 win over Senegal.
Raheem Sterling flew back from the World Cup after armed intruders broke into his home while his family was there, reportedly stealing watches worth £300,000.
The England star missed the Three Lions’ 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal on Sunday, after learning what had happened on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was said to be shaken and concerned about the well-being of his children. The Mirror reported that the France match isn’t a priority for Sterling or England at the moment.
The Sun reported that Sterling’s fiancée Paige Milian, 27 was at home with their two children when the break-in happened and that watches worth £300,000 was taken from his home near Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.
Southgate said following the win over Senegal: “We will have to wait and see [if he’ll be back to play against France], at the moment, clearly the priority is for him to be with his family and we’re going to support that.
“We’ve got to give him time to try to resolve that or be there for his family. That’s the most important thing at this time, so we’re going to give him that space.”
Southgate said Sterling’s return to the UK did not impact team selection and that he had spent “a lot of time” with the player on Sunday, saying, “You have days where events happen and you have to deal with them”.
He added: “We’re going to allow him to have as much time as he needs. He’s going home, yeah.
“I really don’t know because at the moment it’s a situation in which he needs time with his family. I don’t want to put him under any pressure. Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”
The FA said on Sunday night: “Raheem is not available for selection for the Three Lions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
