Raheem Sterling to miss England’s World Cup clash with Senegal due to ‘family matter’

Raheem Sterling was not available for England‘s World Cup round of 16 matches against Senegal as Bukayo Saka replaced Marcus Rashford in the starting lineup.

The only change was the return of Saka in place of three-goal scorer Rashford Gareth Southgate ready for the tie at Al Bayt Stadium.

Saka, who scored in England’s opening 6-2 win over Iran, was rested for the final Group B game against Wales, where Rashford also scored twice in a 3-0 win.

But England manager Southgate decided to recall the Arsenal players for the first knockout leg, with Phil Foden and Jordan Henderson keeping their places in the side.

Sterling will not take part in the match.

The Chelsea winger was expected to be among the substitutes for the England national team but will be out as he deals with a family issue.

Sterling scored in England’s win over Iran and kept his place in the goalless draw against the United States of America before being benched for the Wales match.

England’s Twitter account posted: “Raheem Sterling is unavailable for selection for the £ThreeLions tonight as he attends to a family matter.”

Senegal were without Everton midfielder Idriss Gueye through suspension and made two changes from their 2-1 win over Ecuador to advance to the knockout stages for the first time in 20 years.

Leicester’s Nampalys Mendy replaced Gueye, with Krepin Diatta also coming on – while Chelsea pair Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly were named in the side, along with Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.