Raheem Sterling has been left out of England’s team for the next Euro 2024 qualifiers, but Eberechi Eze has received his first call-up.
Eze, a midfielder for Crystal Palace, has six goals in his previous eight Premier League games.
Sterling, a striker for Chelsea, is leaving by mutual consent after discussions with manager Gareth Southgate.
On June 16, England plays Malta in Ta’ Qali before taking on North Macedonia three days later at Old Trafford.
After defeating Italy and Ukraine in their first two qualifying matches in March, the Three Lions are now in first place in Group C.
Southgate gave the following explanation for his choice to not play Sterling: “He is not pleased with his physical condition, carrying a hamstring strain. He wasn’t actually taken into account.
He believes he is not performing at the necessary level.
Additionally recalled were Lewis Dunk, Tyrone Mings, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Dunk, whose lone prior appearance came against the USA in 2018, rejoins the team after aiding Brighton in achieving a first-ever qualification for Europe.
Reece James, Mason Mount, and Ben Chilwell of Chelsea are sidelined due to injuries, and there is also no room for Ben White of Arsenal, Eric Dier of Tottenham, Conor Coady of Everton, or Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan.
As a result of a hand injury that requires surgery, Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope is also out of the lineup. In his stead, Sam Johnstone of Crystal Palace gets called up for the first time since March 2022.
John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City are all selected but will not report to the team until later since they will be playing in the Champions League final on June 10 against Inter Milan.
Declan Rice, the captain of West Ham, must do the same since on June 7, the Hammers will play Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.
BBC
