Gareth Southgate has acknowledged that Raheem Sterling expressed his dissatisfaction after not being included in the England squad.
Despite being one of the national team’s most seasoned players with 82 caps, Sterling has not been part of the squad since the World Cup quarter-final exit to France in December.
An injury kept Sterling out of England’s March gathering, and ongoing hamstring concerns led to what his representatives described as a “mutual decision” to prioritize his physical recovery, especially after a challenging first season at Chelsea.
Despite a strong start to the season, Sterling did not receive the recall he had hoped for. Southgate omitted him from the squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and a friendly match in Scotland.
“To bring Raheem back in we have to leave someone else out and on the back of three games I didn’t think anybody in this group of attacking players warrants being left out.
“It’s really good to see him start the season so well. He looks in good condition, he looks hungry.
“He’s obviously an important player for us and has been an important player for us.
“But we have in those attacking areas just behind the nine a lot of competition for places.
“I think all of those players have started the season well and certainly the group that are with us has done really well for us in the in the recent games.”
Put to the England boss that Sterling has missed three squads in a row, he said: “He was not available for the last two and of course that’s given other people the opportunity to play well and to establish themselves in the group.
“It’s a difficult call and Raheem is not particularly happy about it, but I understand that because he’s an important player for us.
“I’m convinced he’s going to have an excellent season with Chelsea, there’s no doubt about that.”
Southgate made a point of calling Sterling about his decision as he was conscious that he has been “a really big player for us” and wanted to acknowledge how well he has been playing.
“Raheem is always really respectful with how he responds and deals (with things),” the England boss said.
“He will always say ‘look, I respect your decision’ but of course he wants to get back in the group. And I wouldn’t expect that to be any other way.”
A statement from the player’s camp reinforced that Southgate’s “decision has been respected”, adding that “Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form”.
Sterling has been in impressive form, featuring in Chelsea’s starting lineup for the first three Premier League matches of the season. During Friday’s 3-0 victory against Luton, he contributed with two goals and an assist.
In contrast to Sterling’s omission, Gareth Southgate retained his trust in England vice-captain Jordan Henderson, despite Henderson’s move to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq generating controversy.
Southgate also included former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the squad, even though both players have not seen any action in club football this season.
Southgate highlighted that “I haven’t always said we just pick on form because clearly that hasn’t been the case in a number of positions”.
England’s absentee-hit central defence and lack of single pivot midfield options help explain the involvement of Maguire and Phillips, but they are not guaranteed to keep their places if club issues remain.
“I think with Harry, the injuries to (Raphael) Varane and (Luke) Shaw probably mean that there is unlikely to be any change there in terms of a change of clubs,” Southgate said ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.
“So, no, I can’t sit here and say it’s an ideal situation with either.
“With the centre-backs, we have got a chance for others to come in (due to absences) and there are others playing in the role.
“In midfield it’s more of a concern because of the specifics of the position.
“I know I’ve talked about the low numbers of English players playing and people say: ‘What are you moaning about? You’ve got a great squad to pick from’.
“But it’s the positional specifics. There is a lack of depth in certain areas – left-back is one and midfield pivot is definitely another.”
Southgate largely stuck with the tried and tested for September’s double-header, but there was a place for uncapped Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and, more surprisingly, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.