15 November 2023 , 09:42
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Raheem Sterling's name continues to be conspicuous by its absence from the England squad, with the Chelsea star snubbed again for the upcoming internationals against Malta and North Macedonia.
Despite his improved form for Chelsea, Sterling now hasn't played for his country since the World Cup quarter-final defeat to France in December, failing to add to his 82 caps and dropping down the pecking order as Gareth Southgate has turned to the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka.
Sterling's Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer is the latest attacker to be called up instead of the 28-year-old, so is his England career effectively over?
We asked the Daily Mirror's Chief Football Writer John Cross and Chief Sports Writer Andy Dunn what they think.
John Cross
Raheem Sterling is the epitome of a big game player. And that is why Sterling should be in the England squad and also on the plane to the Euros next summer.
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Sterling turns 29 next month so is still in his prime, has got 20 goals from his 82 caps and is superb when it comes to turning up for tournaments. The Chelsea forward was England’s best player at the last Euros when the pressure was on him and people - albeit who clearly do not follow England very closely - were questioning whether he should be starting.
Sterling hasn't played for England since the 2022 World Cup (Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)Sterling was brilliant as he scored the winner against Croatia in Euro 2020 and showed up in every game as he worked hard, was in great form and took the responsibility on his shoulders.
Yes, Sterling had to fly back during the last World Cup after his home was burgled but no-one should doubt his commitment to the cause. He was back as quickly as possible and straight back into the squad and the player who was trusted by Gareth Southgate to throw on as a substitute.
It is obvious that Sterling struggled in his first season at Chelsea and it was probably wise for him to step away and focus on his fitness last June. But that should not be held against him. Especially when Sterling has recaptured his best form this season, scoring goals and providing assists for Chelsea.
Sterling was terrific against Manchester City in the 4-4 draw on Sunday as he battled, worked hard and scored. He is playing really well. Of course the competition is fierce for the wide forward areas. There’s plenty to choose from as Bukayo Saka is undroppable and has been voted England’s Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons.
But Marcus Rashford is struggling for form. Jack Grealish is not starting for City but both are chosen ahead of Sterling. Jarrod Bowen, too. He is in good form, mind. It does bring it back to the question over whether you can pick a big player in a squad if he knows he is likely to be on the bench. Maybe that is the biggest thing in Gareth Southgate’s mind.
But Sterling would see it as a challenge, battle for a starting place and he is mature enough, has a good enough relationship with Southgate not to see it as an issue. Bring him back!
Southgate has continually overlooked Sterling in 2023 (PA)Andy Dunn
Gareth Southgate’s England squad is becoming a bit like the Europa League … it is pretty difficult to get knocked out of it.
Jack Grealish suggested as much at a previous international camp, pointing out the strength of the manager’s allegiance to certain players. And that actually means that once a player has lost Southgate’s loyalty, it is hard to get it back. Quite simply, that is where Sterling stands right now.
After it was agreed he would miss last June’s qualifiers after a disappointing first season with Chelsea, it seems Southgate has moved on from a player who had, for quite some time, been an integral part of his operation. Perhaps Southgate had moved on after Qatar 2022 when Sterling’s last appearance was an ineffective substitute’s cameo in the quarter-final defeat to France.
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Sterling does not turn 29 until early next month, has plenty of gas left in the tank and his club form has picked up this season. But he has ten goals and five assists in his last 40 Premier League appearances and only a sustained run of excellence will get him back in the international picture.
The famed Southgate loyalty takes some time to switch but when it has gone, it takes some clawing back. Southgate now trusts the likes of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Grealish (finally) and Marcus Rashford.
If Rashford’s mediocre club form continues, maybe he will be under threat - but don’t hold your breath. Regardless of the displays he gives for Manchester United, Rashford’s energy and enthusiasm in an England shirt impresses Southgate.
Right now, Sterling has still not done enough to get his place back in the England squad and while the party line is that the door will always be open, you get the feeling that, while Southgate stays in charge, it is only barely ajar.