Raheem Sterling ‘not happy’ after being left out of England squad by Gareth Southgate
Raheem Sterling has been left out of the latest England squad for the European Championship qualifier against Ukraine and the friendly against Scotland, and manager Gareth Southgate has admitted the Chelsea star is ‘not happy’ about it.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the new season after a difficult first campaign at Stamford Bridge, but Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, James Maddison, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze were selected in attack with Eddie Nketiah handed a first call-up alongside Harry Kane and Callum Wilson up front.
Explaining his decision, Southgate said he was reluctant to change up his options, believing those in the group have done enough to keep hold of their squad places with Sterling missing out as a result.
Southgate: ‘Raheem is not particularly happy’
‘We were really pleased with the group, to bring Raheem back in, we have got to leave somebody else out,’ Southgate told a press conference on Thursday. ‘On the back of three games, I didn’t think anyone in this group of attacking players warrants being left out.
‘It’s really good to see Raheem start the season so well. He looks in good condition, he looks hungry, he is obviously an important player for us, and has been an important player for us.
‘But we have, in those attacking positions just behind the nine, got a lot of competition for places. I think all of those players have started the season well and the group that is with us has done really well for us in recent games.
It’s a difficult call and Raheem is not particularly happy about it. I understand that because he’s an important player for us and I am convinced he is going to have an excellent season at Chelsea, there is no doubt about that.
Sterling releases statement
In response to his omission, Sterling released a statement via his representatives insisting he respects Southgate’s decision, adding he will continue focusing on his form for Chelsea.
‘Raheem will revert to the coach for all comment but would like to reinforce that the decision has been respected,’ the statement read. ‘Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form.’
Conclusion
It’s clear that Raheem Sterling is disappointed to have been left out of the England squad this time around, but he’s accepted Gareth Southgate’s decision and is now focusing on his form for Chelsea. With a number of talented attackers vying for places in the Three Lions squad, it’s understandable why Sterling has missed out this time – but it’s likely he’ll be back in contention soon enough.