Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snobbery

Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling was 'not particularly happy' after being snubbed for a recall to England.

The 28-year-old is one of the most experienced players in the national team, but hasn't added to his tally of 82 caps since being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in December against France.

Sterling missed the England game in March through injury and a lingering hamstring problem led to what his side described as a "mutual decision" to focus on recovering his body after a difficult first season at Chelsea.

But the striker didn't get the recall he was hoping for after a strong start to the campaign, with Southgate forgetting him for September's Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and the friendly in Scotland.

"We were really happy with the group (in June)," said the England manager.

"To bring Raheem back we have to leave someone else out and after three games I didn't think anyone in that group of attacking players deserved to be kicked out.

“It’s really good to see him start the season so well. He looks healthy, 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 areas just behind the nine, a lot of competition for places.

"I think all these players have started the season well and the group that is with us has certainly done very well for us in the last few games."

When explaining to the England boss that Sterling has missed three teams in a row, he said: "He was unavailable in the last two and of course that gave other people the opportunity to play well and establish themselves in the group.

"It's a tough decision and Raheem isn't particularly happy about it, but I understand that because he's an important player for us.

"I'm convinced he's going to have a great season with Chelsea, there's no doubt about that."

Southgate was keen to call Sterling about his decision as he was aware he was 'a very big player for us' and wanted to acknowledge how well he was playing.

"Raheem is always very respectful in the way he reacts and handles (things)," the England manager said.

“He will always say 'listen, I respect your decision' but of course he wants to return to the group. And I wouldn't expect it to be otherwise. »

A statement from the players' camp reinforced that "Southgate's decision has been respected", adding that "Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form".

The striker started Chelsea's first three Premier League games of the season, scoring twice and providing an assist in Friday's 3-0 win over Luton.

While Sterling has been overlooked, Southgate has kept faith in England vice-captain Jordan Henderson despite his controversial move to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq.

There was also room for former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, although neither of them has played a single minute of club football this season .

Southgate underlined: "I haven't always said we're content with form, as that clearly hasn't been the case in a number of positions."

England's absent central defense and lack of single-pivot midfield options help explain Maguire and Phillips' involvement, but they aren't guaranteed to keep their place if problems arise. persistent club.

“I think with Harry, the injuries to (Raphael) Varane and (Luke) Shaw probably mean there is unlikely to be any change in terms of changing clubs,” Southgate said before Friday's transfer deadline.

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"So, no, I can't sit here and say it's an ideal situation with either of them.

"With the central defenders, we have the possibility of others arriving (due to absences) and there are others who play this role.

"In midfield, it's more of a concern because of the specifics of the position.

“I know I've talked about the low number of English players playing and people say, 'What are you complaining about? You have a great team to choose from.

“But those are the specifics of the position. There is a lack of depth in some areas – the left-back is one and the midfield pivot is certainly another. »

Southgate largely settled for that for September's doubleheader, but there was room for unselected Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and, more surprisingly, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

"Two young players who are doing very well, who have done well with our youth teams," Southgate said. “Levi, of course, hung out with us this summer anyway.

"Eddie is coming because it's an area we'd like to see him in.

"He's a young player with a very good pedigree, a very good finisher and it's good for him to spend time with us.

"I think he is also the top scorer with the Under-21s.

"He hasn't had the chance to work with us so far, but he is...