Raheem Sterling, the Chelsea winger, recently expressed his longing to play for the England national team again, stating that it is one of the best feelings one can experience. The 29-year-old has been absent from the England squad since the 2022 World Cup due to a family emergency that required him to return home. Former England manager Gareth Southgate subsequently left Sterling out of multiple squads, including the Euro 2024 team.
With Southgate’s resignation after England’s defeat against Spain in the final, the Football Association has yet to appoint his successor. However, it is expected that Lee Carsley, the Under-21 boss, will take interim charge for the upcoming Nations League games in September. When asked about his longing for the England camp, Sterling expressed his love for playing for his country and the joy he felt watching his teammates represent England. He eagerly anticipates his return to the England set-up in the near future.
Sterling’s chances of earning an England recall will likely be influenced by Chelsea’s performance this season. The club has experienced two years of underachievement since Sterling joined from Manchester City for a hefty fee of £50m. Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Pep Guardiola at City, is now the manager at Chelsea. Sterling believes that Maresca’s presence will bring out the best in him and the team, as the manager has already implemented his preferred style of play.
Despite some disappointing results in pre-season friendlies, Sterling has noticed the positive impact of Maresca’s coaching. The team is being provided with the right information, and their playing patterns are becoming more apparent. Sterling acknowledges that it is still early days, but he believes that the team is quickly adapting to Maresca’s methods. Looking ahead to the upcoming Premier League season, Sterling is optimistic about the future and believes that good times are on the horizon for Chelsea.
During Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States, Sterling played in all five friendlies, contributing with one goal and one assist. As the season approaches, Sterling’s performances will be crucial not only for his club but also for his chances of earning a recall to the England national team. With his desire to play for his country and the belief that Maresca’s coaching will bring out the best in him, Sterling is determined to make an impact both for Chelsea and England.