“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

Raheem Sterling finds himself embroiled in a battle to revive his once-dominant presence in the England national team, as observed by manager Gareth Southgate.

Sterling, a seasoned forward with 82 caps for England since his debut in 2012, has witnessed a recent dip in his international fortunes. Despite boasting an impressive tally of 20 goals, with 18 scored under Southgate’s stewardship, he faced exclusion from the England squad for the sixth consecutive time during Thursday’s selection.

The 2022 World Cup quarterfinal defeat to France marked Sterling’s last appearance in an England jersey. In the intervening period, emerging talents such as Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon have ascended the ranks, eclipsing Sterling’s prominence in the national team setup.

While Sterling remains a regular fixture in Chelsea’s Premier League lineup, his minutes on the pitch have dwindled as the season progressed, reflecting a waning influence.

In addressing Sterling’s prospects, Southgate acknowledged the competitive landscape for attacking positions within the squad. He emphasized the formidable performances of contenders like Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon, alongside the prolific scoring prowess of Bowen. Despite acknowledging Sterling’s proven ability in crucial encounters, Southgate reiterated the need for persistent competition for places, with Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka further strengthening the depth in attacking options.

Approaching his thirties, Sterling’s occasional captaincy and private discontent with recent omissions underscore his desire to reclaim a pivotal role in the national setup. Southgate emphasized the delicate balance between loyalty and tactical efficacy in squad selection, emphasizing ongoing opportunities for players to stake their claims, exemplified by Gordon’s recent inclusion.

In essence, while Sterling’s contributions remain valued, his path back to prominence necessitates a spirited resurgence amidst a fiercely contested arena for England’s attacking talents.