Why Raheem Sterling has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad

Raheem Sterling had been left out of the England squad for the forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.

As Mail Sport reported last night, following talks between Sterling and Gareth Southgate it has been decided that the Chelsea star will not feature in the games against Malta and North Macedonia in order to focus on recovering after what has been a turbulent season.

A statement read: ‘Following a private conversation between coach and player, a mutual decision has been made for Raheem Sterling to sit out the upcoming internationals, focusing instead on recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season.’

Sterling remains a key figure for Southgate moving forward, while the 28-year-old is fully committed to England.

This is understood to be a mutual decision based the conversation between player and manager.

Sterling has endured a frustrating first season at Chelsea which has led to his omission

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze meanwhile has been rewarded with a call-up by Southgate

There is a common feeing that Sterling needs the summer to fully recuperate so he can hit the ground running next season.

Coming in to replace Sterling is Southgate’s selection was Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze. 

Eze could be set to make his England debut, two years after Southgate originally intended to do so before the 24-year-old suffered a serious Achilles injury.

Having recovered from the injury, it is understood Eze was selected in Southgate’s provisional 55-man squad for last year’s World Cup in Qatar, but didn’t make the final cut.

Going off recent form, it’s perhaps no surprise that Eze has been included over Sterling.

Eze has scored six goals in Crystal Palace’s last eight Premier League goals – playing a huge part in helping them pull away from the relegation zone over the last two months

Southgate has not been adverse to omitting key players in the past if he feels a rest would benefit them in the long term

Eze played a huge role in helping Crystal Palace avoid relegation scoring six goals in their last eight Premier League matches.

Sterling meanwhile has netted just twice in the top flight since New Year’s Day – thanks to his brace against Nottingham Forest last week.

Southgate’s squad for the upcoming two games also saw the inclusion of Lewis Dunk who made his one and only England appearance back in 2018. 

Tyrone Mings and Trent Alexander-Arnold have also been recalled after recent excellent form.