The Chelsea winger reinforced his commitment to his club duties as he was omitted for the third England squad in a row.
Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has responded to England men’s manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave him out of the latest Three Lions squad despite his recent uptake in form.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to life under Mauricio Pochettino after he struggled to have much impact under Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter last season in what was his worst statistical campaign for eight years.
However, he opened his account for this season with a great finish in the first half against Luton Town last weekend before finding his second after halftime. Sterling then set up Blues summer signing Nicolas Jackson for his first goal for Chelsea to find an assist in what was a Man of the Match-worthy performance.
Despite his impressive start over the side’s first three matches, where he’s looked more lively and deadly in and around the box, he was omitted from the 26-man squad for their Euro 2024 qualifying match against Ukraine and the 150th Anniversary Heritage Match against Scotland.
It marks the third straight England squad Sterling has missed, despite being the nation’s best player at the Euro 2020 championships just two years ago where he scored three vital goals across the tournament to help England reach the final.
Teammates Ben Chilwell and Conor Gallagher were included while uncapped Levi Colwill is set to make his debut for his country in the international break after being one of eight defenders selected.
When questioned about Sterling’s omission, Southgate admitted he knew he’s be disappointed but that those selected have done enough in his eyes to keep him out of the team.
“We were really pleased with the group, to bring Raheem back in, we have got to leave somebody else out,” he said at his press conference on Thursday.
“On the back of three games, I didn’t think anyone in this group of attacking players warrants being left out. It’s really good to see Raheem start the season so well. He looks in good condition, he looks hungry, he is obviously an important player for us, and has been an important player for us.
“But we have, in those attacking positions just behind the nine, got a lot of competition for places. I think all of those players have started the season well and the group that is with us has done really well for us in recent games.
It’s a difficult call and Raheem is not particularly happy about it. I understand that because he’s an important player for us and I am convinced he is going to have an excellent season at Chelsea, there is no doubt about that.”
In response to Southgate, Sterling and his team released a statement shortly after the team was revealed, highlighting his commitment to Chelsea’s season ahead.
“Raheem will revert to the coach for all comment but would like to reinforce that the decision has been respected,” they said. “Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form.”
The star will first look forward to the Blues’ clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend before looking ahead to their return from the international break when they play against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, September 17
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