Gareth Southgate has named his England squad for September’s international break and, as ever, Southgate’s selections are not without contentious choices.
Ahead of next month’s fixtures with Ukraine and Scotland, we look at five talking points from Southgate’s squad selection.
Five talking points from Gareth Southgate’s England squad:
Sterling shunned despite strong start
Rewind just a little more than eight months ago and the prospect of Gareth Southgate naming an England squad without Raheem Sterling would be scoffed at. Even in a Premier League career of peaks and troughs, Sterling has been a shoo-in for the national team and often – alongside Harry Kane – one of Southgate’s most dependable options. But since the World Cup last winter, Sterling has not featured. The 28-year-old started just two games in Qatar and a disastrous debut season with Chelsea has seen him omitted ever since.

?It?s a difficult call and Raheem isn?t particularly happy about it.?
Gareth Southgate says Raheem Sterling being unavailable opened up opportunity for others to take his place at England. pic.twitter.com/0CcGNRVO4t
? Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 31, 2023

On last season’s performances there would be no debate, but Sterling has started the new season in fine form. An electric individual display in defeat at West Ham showed signs of his old self, before Sterling scored twice and created another in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over ...