Gareth Southgate Explains Why Raheem Sterling Was Left Out Of England Squad
England manager Gareth Southgate has explained that he did not name Raheem Sterling in his latest squad due to the player's current physical state.
Sterling was the highest-profile omission on Wednesday when Southgate named his 25-man party for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze was called up in place of Sterling, while Brighton defender Lewis Dunk was selected ahead of Tottenham's Eric Dier.
| Latest England Squad |
|---|
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) |
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Man United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Man United), John Stones (Man City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Man City) |
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Dortmund), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Declan Rice (West Ham) |
Forwards: Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), James Maddison (Leicester), Marcus Rashford (Man United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Callum Wilson (Newcastle) |
"I spoke with him a week or so ago – a general catch-up," Southgate told reporters when asked about Sterling.
"He's not happy physically with his condition, having been carrying a hamstring problem. He really wasn't in consideration.
"So, we didn't get to the point of whether he should be in or out. He doesn't think he is operating at the level he needs."
A statement from one of Sterling's representatives said that it had been a "mutual decision" for the Chelsea forward not to play for England this month and that he will instead focus on "recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season".
Southgate added in an interview with BBC Sport: "Eric and Raheem both have physical issues at the moment that they're dealing with.
"But there's another year to go before the Euros and it's possible for everybody to get in that squad."
England began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with wins over Italy and Ukraine in March.
Southgate's side will now take on Malta in an away game on June 16 before hosting North Macedonia at Wembley three days later.
Euro 2024 will be Gareth Southgate's fourth major tournament as England manager
IMAGO/Fotoarena/Richard Callis
