31 August 2023 , 21:30
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Raheem Sterling voiced his frustration at Gareth Southgate after being axed by England.
Sterling, 27, was left out of England’s squad despite regaining form and fitness which has left the Chelsea forward fighting for his international future. England boss Southgate revealed that he rang Sterling after leaving him out of the 26-man squad for the Euro qualifier with Ukraine and a friendly in Scotland.
Sterling elected to sit out England’s games in June to recharge his batteries after an injury-ravaged season and that decision appears to have backfired despite his impressive start to the campaign.
Southgate said: “I’ve spoken to him and I wouldn't expect any player that isn't being selected for a squad to be particularly pleased about it.
“Raheem is always really respectful with how he responds and deals with things, he will always say ‘I respect your decision’ but of course, he wants to get back in the group. I wouldn’t expect that to be any other way.
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“I always call players normally if they have been in the previous squad, but aren’t in the next one. With this one I was conscious…firstly he’s a player who has been a really big player for us, an important part of our team, and I wanted to address the fact that he’s playing really well.
“I understood why he wanted to focus on the fitness in June and we are seeing the benefits of that now. He looks hungry again. But there is so much competition for places in that area.”
Southgate also sounded a warning to Harry Maguire and Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips who are mainstays of the squad but neither have played a minute for their clubs this season.
The Chelsea man has been in the goals this season (Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) Manchester United defender Maguire and Phillips could be left fearing for their places in England’s squad for the Euros unless they move before the transfer window shuts or get more regular minutes.
Southgate added: “I can’t sit here and say that it’s an ideal situation with either. I think with Harry, the injuries to Varane and Shaw probably mean that there is unlikely to be any change there in terms of changing clubs.
“With the centre-backs, we have got a chance for others to come in and there are others playing in that role. There is a lack of depth in certain areas. Left-back is one and midfield pivot is definitely another.”