“I won’t pick his calls again after what he did”- Chelsea Star Raheem has revealed how Gareth Southgate and other England internationals teased and irritated him until he left the England World Cup camp in tears in 2022 and Why Gareth Southgate dropped him ever Since

Gareth Southgate, the manager of the England national football team, recently commented on Raheem Sterling’s current predicament, suggesting that the talented forward faces an uphill battle to revive his international career. Sterling, who has represented England 82 times since his debut in 2012, with 18 of his 20 goals coming under Southgate’s tenure, found himself omitted from the England squad once again, marking the sixth consecutive occasion he has been left out.

The absence from the national team has been prolonged since the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal defeat to France, held in Qatar. During this interval, emerging talents such as Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon have eclipsed Sterling in the hierarchy of England’s squad selections.

Despite featuring in the majority of Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures this season, Sterling’s involvement has waned progressively. Southgate acknowledged the stiff competition within the squad, highlighting the consistent performances of Cole Palmer at Chelsea, alongside the impressive displays from Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen. Moreover, established players like Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka have demonstrated their capabilities consistently over an extended period.

Southgate emphasized that while Sterling’s path to the England team may appear obstructed currently, the door remains ajar. Acknowledging Sterling’s past contributions and his potential to excel in crucial matches, Southgate affirmed the ongoing evaluation of his performances in comparison to his counterparts.

Sterling, who is approaching his thirties, has previously captained the England team and has reportedly expressed frustration privately over his recent exclusions. Southgate emphasized the delicate balance between loyalty and selecting players who can deliver results for the team, hinting at the ongoing evaluation process involving emerging talents like Anthony Gordon.

In essence, Southgate’s remarks underscore the competitive nature of England’s squad selection process, where established veterans like Sterling must contend with emerging talents for coveted spots on the international stage. Despite the current challenges, Sterling’s past contributions and potential ensure that the door to the England team remains open, albeit with increased competition.