Raheem Sterling, the Chelsea forward, has expressed his desire to play for England again under the team’s new coach. Sterling had been sidelined from the national team for almost two years under the previous manager, Gareth Southgate. Despite being a key player during Southgate’s reign, including the World Cup in 2018 and the delayed Euro 2020, Sterling has not made an appearance for England since the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
Southgate stepped down as England coach following the team’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain last month. As the Football Association (FA) searches for his replacement, Sterling was asked by The Athletic if he is still open to playing for his country. Sterling, who has been capped 82 times by England, with 55 of those appearances under Southgate, expressed his eagerness to return to the national team. He reflected on his past experiences and stated that playing for England is something he has always dreamt of since he was a child.
While discussing his absence from the squad this summer, Sterling admitted that he missed being a part of the team. He expressed his love for playing for England and described it as one of the best feelings one can have. He mentioned that he closely followed England’s matches during the summer and found joy in supporting his teammates.
In order to make a comeback to the England squad, Sterling will likely need to improve his performance for Chelsea. Since joining the club from Manchester City, he has scored only 13 Premier League goals across two seasons. However, Sterling’s pre-season under new Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has shown promise. Despite the team’s less-than-ideal results during their tour in the United States, Sterling praised Maresca’s approach and the patterns that are emerging in their play. He acknowledged that mistakes are being made in the early stages but emphasized the learning process and the team’s quick grasp of the new coach’s tactics. Sterling believes that good times are ahead for Chelsea.
As the oldest player in Chelsea’s squad during their tour, Sterling highlighted the emphasis on youth in the club’s recruitment drive under the ownership of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly. He stressed the need for the team to mature quickly, particularly in their attacking play. Sterling sees great potential within the team and believes that simplifying certain aspects of their game will lead to better results and competitiveness.
In conclusion, Raheem Sterling’s desire to play for England again under the team’s new coach showcases his dedication to representing his country. While he has been absent from the national team for some time, Sterling’s performances for Chelsea will play a crucial role in his potential return. With a new coach at Chelsea and a focus on youth, Sterling believes in the team’s potential but emphasizes the need for quick maturity. Overall, Sterling’s eagerness to return to international football reflects his passion for the game and his commitment to representing England.