Rio Ferdinand says Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling should be “very disappointed” that he’s not away with the England squad right now.
Despite an indifferent start to the new season by Chelsea, Raheem Sterling has been one of the huge positives so far to life under Mauricio Pochettino.
The 28-year-old attacker, who’s one of the senior individuals in the Blues squad now, has quickly established himself as a key starter in the XI.
However, his impressive form at the start of the campaign hasn’t been enough to earn him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad over the current international break.
Ferdinand suggests it’s very harsh that Chelsea’s £50million (Daily Mail) forward has been overlooked by Southgate.
£50m Chelsea player should be really upset now – Rio Ferdinand
When discussing Sterling’s omission from the England squad, Ferdinand told FIVE’s YouTube channel: “If I was Sterling, I’d be very disappointed, bearing in mind what he’s done for this England team when he’s been in or around it.
“If you’re going by the yard stick that Gareth’s using with the likes of Maguire and Phillips, why is it all right for them guys to get in and not him?
“…. Sterling’s probably been the main bright spark at Chelsea.”
Sterling’s pretty much a veteran at international level, scoring 20 goals in 82 senior caps for England. Therefore, his omission right now seems very odd when he’s started the season so brightly.
Our guess is he’d be back in the Three Lions camp if the next major tournament started tomorrow.
For now, Sterling can only focus on his club form and getting back to his best in Chelsea colours.
The Athletic claimed last month that some senior Chelsea officials doubted Sterling’s ability. He’s proving them wrong right now under Pochettino, though.
The Blues attacker’s last appearance for Southgate’s side came in the 2-1 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal defeat to France.
His best run with England is a Euro 2020 runner-up and 2018 FIFA World Cup semifinal finish.
