England star Raheem Sterling has been sensationally axed from Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro following a bust-up with Joe Gomez.
According to reports, Sterling tried to grab Gomez by the neck following his arrival in the players’ canteen. The pair squared up in the latter stages of Sunday’s Premier League clash after Gomez came on as a substitute.
“We have taken the decision to not consider Raheem for the match against Montenegro on Thursday,” said Gareth Southgate, the England manager. Sterling will remain with the squad and could play in England’s final qualifier against Kosovo on Sunday, but will play no part against Montenegro.
“The FA can confirm Raheem Sterling will not be considered for Thursday’s EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a disturbance in a private team area at St. George’s Park today,” the FA said in a statement.
Raheem Sterling has become a vital cog for England in the past year after being criticized for his displays at the 2018 World Cup. Last season he was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association
Sterling scored 25 goals in all competitions as City won a domestic treble of the Premier League title and the two Cup competitions. For England, Sterling has scored 12 goals in 55 games but has been a regular under Southgate. He also scored twice in the recent 6-0 win away to Bulgaria.
