England manager Gareth Southgate stated that Raheem Sterling was disappointed to be left out of the next internationals against Ukraine and Scotland.
Sterling has not played for England since coming off the bench in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals, missing the following squad due to injury before being dropped out of the squad in June amid concerns about his form and health.
This season has been a different scenario for Sterling, who has been utterly brilliant thus far and already has two goals from only three games for Chelsea, yet he has been left out of the international squad.
Nevertheless, Southgate stated during his news conference after the announcement of England’s team that he was unable to fit Sterling into his group.
“We were really pleased with the group [in June],” Southgate explained. “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.”
When it was pointed out that Sterling has now missed three consecutive England camps, Southgate added: “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.”
In Sterling’s place, Southgate has opted to hand call-ups to Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze.