Raheem Sterling dropped from England squad with Eberechi Eze called up by Gareth Southgate

Raheem Sterling is the biggest high-profile victim of Gareth Southgate’s England team ahead of their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.

The Three Lions boss has decided to leave the Chelsea winger out of the 26-man squad for next month’s games against Malta and North Macedonia after a disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge.

Mail Sport reported yesterday that Southgate could try to leave Sterling out of the team, following a season affected by numerous injuries, managerial changes at Chelsea and an incident at his home in Surrey that saw him fly back from the World Cup.

Southgate’s team selection at 2pm confirmed Sterling had been left out, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze coming on to replace him.

Eze could make his England debut two years after Southgate originally planned, before the 24-year-old suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury.

Sterling has had a frustrating first season at Chelsea which has led to his absence

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has since been rewarded with a call-up from Southgate

Eze, recovered from the injury, was reportedly selected in Southgate’s preliminary 55-man squad for last year’s World Cup in Qatar, but failed to make the final.

Judging by recent form, it might come as no surprise that Eze has been included instead of Sterling.

Eze was instrumental in helping Crystal Palace avoid relegation, scoring six goals in their last eight Premier League appearances.

Sterling has scored just twice in the Premiership since New Year’s Day thanks to his brace against Nottingham Forest last week.

Southgate has probably been reflecting on the difficulties Sterling has faced in recent months as he made a final decision on his selection.

Southgate and Sterling have developed a close bond while working together on an international level.

The pair have likely discussed whether or not the 28-year-old should be part of the squad for the upcoming matches ahead of Wednesday’s announcement and have jointly agreed on a plan of action.

Eze has scored six goals in Crystal Palace’s last eight Premier League goals and has been instrumental in pulling them out of the relegation zone in the past two months

Southgate has historically not been adverse to leaving out key players if he thinks rest would benefit them in the long run

There are no definitive indications as to whether Sterling will be involved in Southgate’s squad, but the England coach has shown in the past that he is not against leaving out key players if he thinks it will rest them in the long run term would be beneficial.

The England coach did not include vice-captain Jordan Henderson in his squad for UEFA Nations League matches last summer, saying he simply wanted to give the midfielder a rest after an exhausting season.

Henderson then played a key role for England at the World Cup in Qatar.

Southgate’s side for the next two games also saw Lewis Dunk, who made his only England appearance in 2018.