Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling has been dropped by Gareth Southgate for England’s coming European qualifiers.
- Sterling dropped from England squad
- Palace star could earn first cap
- England will face Malta and North Macedonia
What is the news?
England will be continuing their quest for EURO 2024 when they take on Malta and North Macedonia next month but will be doing so without Raheem Sterling. The forward – a regular under Southgate – has not been selected for the coming matches following his disappointing season at Chelsea. Meanwhile Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has earned his maiden call-up for the national team.
Southgate explaining Sterling absence
On a press conference on Wednesday, Southgate explained why he decided to not include Sterling in his squad: “I spoke with him a week or so ago. A general catch-up,” he said. “He is not happy with his condition physically, carrying a hamstring problem. He wasn’t really in consideration. He doesn’t think he is operating at the level he needs.”
Deserved call-up for Dunk
Brighton Hove and Albion defender Lewis Dunk has been included in the squad after a stellar season in the Premier League. The defender has one cap to his name and could be earning his second cap after he made his debut in 2018. Palace ace Eze has been in great form since March, scoring six goals and providing one assist in recent weeks. The forward has been given his first call-up for the national team and could be making his debut in June.
Other England news
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has not been included in the squad due to an operation on his hand. The surgery was first planned for the summer but the Magpies decided to pull the procedure forward after they secured Champions League football last week. In other news it is not expected that any Manchester City players will feature for England against Malta, given they will have played the Champions League final just six days before.
