Raheem Sterling will miss England’s World Cup last-16 clash against Senegal and is not a certainty to feature again in the tournament if England progress.
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The Chelsea winger was expected to be involved at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday evening but he will be absent as he deals with a family matter.
Sterling scored in England’s opening 6-2 win over Iran and retained his place for the goalless draw against the United States before dropping to the bench for the Group B finale over Wales.
The England Twitter account posted: “Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the Three Lions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
Speaking to ITV ahead of kick-off, England manager Gareth Southgate couldn't say if Sterling would play any further part in the World Cup should England progress after Sunday night's game. He said: "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. He is going to have to deal with that matter and then we will take it from there."
England have made just one change for the game as Bukayo Saka is preferred in attack to Marcus Rashford. Saka, who netted a brace against Iran, was rested against Wales, where Rashford scored twice in a 3-0 victory. But England boss Gareth Southgate has opted to recall Arsenal man Saka, with Phil Foden and Jordan Henderson retaining their places in the side.
Senegal are without Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye through suspension and make two alterations from the 2-1 win over Ecuador which saw them through to the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years. Leicester’s Nampalys Mendy replaces Gueye with Krepin Diatta also coming in, while Chelsea pair Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly are named in the side along with Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.
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