England's Final Euro 2024 Qualifiers Squad Revealed: Sterling Omitted, Injury Challenges for Stones & James
- Mike Johnshon
- 09 Nov, 2023
Raheem Sterling was omitted from the England squad for their last Euro 2024 qualifying matches as manager Gareth Southgate opted not to alter the team.
Although Southgate's team has already secured a place in next year's finals in Germany, the 25-man squad for the upcoming home fixture against Malta on November 17 and an away game in North Macedonia three days later largely features familiar faces.
Due to injury, Manchester City defender John Stones is absent from the squad, and no replacement was named. Meanwhile, Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah, dealing with an ankle problem, has been substituted by Newcastle's Callum Wilson.
Southgate mentioned that the possibility for Chelsea's Sterling to return remains open, despite his absence from the last five international camps after being part of the squad for the World Cup in Qatar last year.
"The door is 100 per cent open not only for Raheem but for other players not in the squad," said Southgate.
"We don't need to know about his quality, his personality. He is a crucial part of why we've had the journey we've had over the last few years.
"I can only repeat what I have said in the meetings, we're playing exceptionally well and who can I leave out?"
Southgate conveyed his regret over Stones suffering another injury and disclosed that Chelsea defender Reece James opted out of the squad, citing his recent return to action following a hamstring problem.
"I am really disappointed for John," Southgate said.
"The quality of his play is outstanding. He's having a difficult time injury-wise at the moment, but it gives others an opportunity and we do need to know a little bit more about other players in that area of the pitch."
Southgate added: "I was hoping to call Reece James, but he doesn't feel he is quite ready and I understand that."
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan/ITA), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/ESP), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq/KSA), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/GER), James Maddison (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Callum Wilson (Newcastle)
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