RAHEEM STERLING has failed to make the cut for England’s upcoming Euro qualifiers.
But there’s joy for Eberechi Eze, with the Crystal Palace star in line to make his Three Lions debut.
Raheem Sterling has been left out of England’s latest squadGetty
England’s latest squad announcement in full
Elsewhere, Lewis Dunk is back in the squad as he seeks to win a second cap.
And there are also recalls for Callum Wilson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyrone Mings.
Meanwhile, Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope misses out after undergoing surgery on his hand.
But it’s Sterling’s exclusion which has caught the eye of England fans.
He has endured a dismal season in London after joining Chelsea from Man City last summer.
The forward, who has 82 caps, was tipped to be left out by Gareth Southgate this afternoon.
And it has now been confirmed he will play no part in the games against Malta and North Macedonia.
Sterling’s spokesperson said: “Following a private conversation between coach and player, a mutual decision has been made for Raheem Sterling to sit out the upcoming internationals, focused instead on recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season.”
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Sterling’s absence has paved the way for Eze to win his first call-up.
The 24-year-old has 10 goals and four assists for Crystal Palace this term.
And his form sparked their resurgence under Roy Hodgson, swiftly sealing their Premier League safety after Patrick Vieira’s sacking.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford are deemed fit enough to make the cut.
There’s room again for Newcastle striker Wilson following Ivan Toney’s eight-month betting ban.
And Brighton captain Dunk has won his spot in the squad at the expense of AC Milan’s Champions League semi-finalist Fikayo Tomori.
Fellow centre-back Mings is also involved again for the first time in 14 months after an upturn in form at Aston Villa.
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold is another recall, with Chelsea’s Reece James injured.
And Palace No2 Sam Johnstone has been picked following Pope’s new setback.
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