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More than a decade ago, a wide-eyed teenager from Liverpool’s youth team made his debut for the senior England squad. Ever since then, that teenager going by the name of Raheem Sterling became a regular starter for the England squad and he also gradually established himself as a household name in English football with clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City.
Everything was fine and dandy until he got snubbed by Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate following England’s exit from the FIFA World Cup quarter-final defeat to France. And considering the latest snubbing, this would make the fifth successive time he has failed to make a squad.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets as quoted by Football. London, Liverpool legend John Barnes stated he respects Gareth Southgate’s decision to omit Raheem Sterling from the latest England squad, despite the winger’s strong club form.
Many have questioned Sterling being overlooked given his uptick in form. He has netted five times and bagged two assists for the Blues so far this season.
“I respect and trust what Gareth says and does. He knows how he wants his team to play. He may feel that what Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford have to offer may differ to what Raheem offers.”
The former Liverpool star argues fans and pundits cannot focus solely on a player being in good club form to deserve an England spot. Southgate makes nuanced choices based on tactics and balances.
Barnes contends Sterling brings different qualities and may not fit Southgate’s current preferred system as neatly as other options. The manager may prefer more direct players to maximize England’s threat on the counter.
While Sterling’s talent makes him worthy of selection, Barnes feels Southgate sees a squad role for the 28-year-old as problematic compared to others in his position.
“Whilst if you have Raheem in the squad you can’t have him on the bench. You’d want him on the team.”
With an abundance of youthful attacking options, Southgate perhaps cannot guarantee Sterling regular starts. Carrying such a senior player as a substitute could cause issues.
Barnes’ comments indicate trust in Southgate knowing what’s best for England right now, rather than bowing to public pressure over Sterling’s omission.
Sterling will undoubtedly get more opportunities before next summer’s Euros. For now, Barnes believes fans should respect Southgate’s judgment and plan. Sterling’s time will come again.
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