Gareth Southgate explained Raheem Sterling is dealing with a family matter and is unable to play for England in this Sunday's World Cup quarter-final clash with Senegal.
The Three Lions boss was unable to confirm either way whether the Chelsea winger will be back for England, should the national progress, or if this could be the end of his tournament.
Southgate said on ITV: "He is dealing with a family matter, I had quite a bit of time with him this morning but now I have had to pass him on to other people to help him with that."
On whether this could be the end of the road for Sterling in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Southgate added: "He is going to have to deal with that matter and then we will take it from there."
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