Raheem Sterling excluded from England squad by Southgate despite good start with Chelsea

Sterling left out of England squad by Southgate || Phot Credit: Imago

Raheem Sterling excluded from England squad by Southgate despite good start with Chelsea

Stephen Oladehinde 17:24 - 31.08.2023

Gareth Southgate has released left Raheem Sterling out of England's next game despite having a good start to the season.

Sterling has been Chelsea’s top player in their first three games of the season scoring two goals for the Blues.

Sterling's exclusion from the team was unexpected given how effectively he has started the season for Chelsea, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Luton Town last Friday.

The Chelsea winger will not be in the England squad and will miss the games against Ukraine and Scotland 

Raheem Sterling in action for Chelsea || Photo Credit: Imago
Raheem Sterling in action for Chelsea || Photo Credit: Imago

Southgate reveals decision behind dropping Sterling

Southgate expressed satisfaction with Sterling's performance and made emphasis on wanting to keep the same squad that had a successful start to their Euro 2024 qualification campaign together. 

On Sterling, Southgate said as reported by Daily Mail, “We were really pleased with the group and to bring Raheem back in, we have to leave somebody out and I don't think any of the attackers deserved leaving out.

“It's really good to see Raheem start the season well, he looks hungry and is an important player for us but in those areas behind the No 9, we've got a lot of competition for places.

“He wasn't available for the last two groups. It's given others an opportunity to play well and establish themselves.

“Raheem isn't particularly happy about it and I understand that but I'm convinced he will have an excellent season at Chelsea.”

England head coach Gareth Southgate || Photo Credit: Imago
England head coach Gareth Southgate || Photo Credit: Imago

Southgate England squad 

Levi Colwill and Eddie Nketiah have been called up by Gareth Southgate and might get their first opportunity.

Jordan Henderson, who just moved from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, has also been included by Gareth Southgate.

Harry Maguire who has not featured this season for Manchester United also retains his place in the squad.

Speaking on Colwill and Nketiah's call-ups, he said, “The two young players are doing very well and have done well with our junior teams.

“Levi had some time with us in the summer and with the basis of this squad, I didn't want to move from the squad we had at Old Trafford [against North Macedonia in June] but we've had a lot of people with issues at the back.

“The only other change is Eddie, we'd like to have a look at him. He has a good pedigree, is a very good finisher and he's not had the chance to work with us.”

On Saturday, September 9, the Three Lions play Ukraine in Wroclaw, Poland, as they continue their qualifying for the European Championship. 

ENGLAND SQUAD IN FULL 

GOALKEEPERS: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

DEFENDERS: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

MIDFIELDERS: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)

FORWARDS: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)