Democrats defied expectations in the midterm elections and successfully fended off a red wave, but a veteran Democratic pollster warns that party will need to address and prioritize the economy and crime with "new leaders" at the helm in order to mount a successful challenge in 2024.

Stan Greenberg, previously the senior pollster to President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, among others, says that Democrats should not feel vindicated coming out of election night. The party pulled off a better-than-expected midterms performance, maintaining a narrow Senate majority and losing the House by only a handful of seats.

But Democrats owe their unexpected success to voters setting aside economic concerns and voting instead on abortion, Social Security, and threats to democracy, according to Greenberg.

"They voted for Democrats despite the fact that this was an economy that was failing working people. But voters are desperate for real help," Greenberg said, pointing to the party's failure to prioritize key working class issues - the cost of living and rising crime.

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Though Republican messaging centered heavily on inflation, crime and the border, the party failed to properly reassure voters on these set of concerns as well, according to Greenberg. 

Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, the veteran Democratic pollster believes the country is in desperate need of "new leaders" and "bold change," telling Fox he's "not worried" about any of the rumored Republicans floated as potential candidates. 

Despite his enthusiasm for a fresh crop of presidential contenders, Greenberg warns in his midterms report that Democrats should be weary of the "continuing risk of a Republican challenge centered on borders and crime."

"Trump may have been weakened in this election, but another leader with that message poises an accelerated risk," Greenberg writes. 

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As a number of high-profile Republicans continue to tease potential 2024 runs, Donald Trump has already launched his presidential campaign, while Democrats wait for a final determination from Biden on his re-election ambitions, likely to come "early next year," according to the President.

"I wouldn't have thought that Joe Biden would have been the candidate that the Democrats nominated. They went for him because they thought he was the one who would defeat Donald Trump," Greenberg told Fox. "I don't think that'll be the case this time."

Though he hesitated to name any specific potential Democratic candidates, Greenberg believes there's a chance to have an "election like we had in 1992 when Bill Clinton ran to modernize the party."

England star Raheem Sterling flew home from the World Cup after his home was attacked by armed intruders, head coach Gareth Southgate and the English Football Association confirmed Sunday.

Sterling was left out of the England team for its 3-0 victory over Senegal in the round of 16 after his property just outside London was broken into, while his family was inside, Saturday night.

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"He is on his way home," Southgate said during his postgame news conference. "We’ve got to give him time to try to resolve that (issue) or be there for his family. We are obviously mindful of him being allowed space and privacy, so we don’t want to talk in too much detail. 

"It is not ideal for the group ahead of a big game, but it pales into insignificance. The individual is more important than the group in those moments." 

England eased into Saturday's quarterfinal matchup with France, thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka — but all thoughts were with Sterling, who moved to London team Chelsea from Manchester City last summer. 

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There was no word on whether Sterling, who played a total of 139 minutes during England’s first two games before being rested against Wales, would be able to return to Qatar later in the tournament.

The first time the matter came to light was when the FA released a statement 90 minutes before kickoff that Sterling was out due to a "family matter." Before long, however, there was further clarification. 

"Raheem Sterling missed England’s World Cup win against Senegal after armed intruders broke into his house overnight while his family were there," read a statement released to the Press Association, an English news agency.

Southgate and Sterling spent significant time together Sunday morning before the winger’s flight back to London, which was hastily arranged by England’s support staff. 

Sterling’s primary concern, according to the later statement, was "the well-being of his children." It added that the player was "understandably shaken." 

If he could come back to Qatar, Sterling remains a valuable option for Southgate due to his speed and trickery with the ball at his feet. 

Dating back more than a decade, Premier League soccer players from high-profile teams have frequently been targeted for home break-ins during game times, Champions League trips or tournaments.