Raheem Sterling has been left out of England's team for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, but Eberechi Eze has received his first call-up.
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Eze, a midfielder for Crystal Palace, has six goals in his previous eight Premier League games.
Sterling, a forward for Chelsea, is leaving by mutual consent following discussions with manager Gareth Southgate.
On June 16, England plays Malta in Ta' Qali before taking on North Macedonia three days later at Old Trafford.
After defeating Italy and Ukraine in their first two qualifying matches in March, the Three Lions are currently in first place in Group C.
Southgate gave the following explanation for his choice to not play Sterling: "He is not pleased with his physical condition, carrying a hamstring strain. He wasn't actually taken into account.
He believes he is not performing at the necessary level.
Additionally recalled were Lewis Dunk, Tyrone Mings, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Dunk, whose lone prior appearance came against the USA in 2018, rejoins the team after aiding Brighton in achieving a first-ever qualification for Europe.
Reece James, Mason Mount, and Ben Chilwell of Chelsea are sidelined due to injuries, and there is also no room for Ben White of Arsenal, Eric Dier of Tottenham, Conor Coady of Everton, or Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan.
As a result of a hand injury that requires surgery, Newcastle custodian Nick Pope is also out of the lineup. In his place, Sam Johnstone of Crystal Palace is called up for the first time since March 2022.
John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City are all included but will not report to the squad until later because they will be playing in the Champions League final on June 10 against Inter Milan.
Declan Rice, the captain of West Ham, must do the same since on June 7, the Hammers will play Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.
Southgate questions terms of Toney ban
Ivan Toney was given an eight-month suspension for breaking Football Association betting rules, but Southgate questioned those terms.
The Brentford striker, who made his Three Lions debut against Ukraine in March, isn't even allowed to practice with his club until September. He can't play again until January 2024.
"What bothers me is that he's injured right now, and we need to take care of people," said the speaker. What does he do to improve his fitness? said Southgate.
"How can we give him some structure over the coming months so he can grow as a person, become a better person, or have experiences he might not have otherwise?"
"I object to the notion that someone should be just excluded from the football community and left to their own devices. That is not how I believe we should operate.
Eze rewarded for fine form
Eze, who has earned U20 and U21 international honors, was selected after leading Crystal Palace to a dramatic turnaround in performance under Roy Hodgson. The Eagles won five and drew two of their nine games under the former England manager, allaying any lingering concerns about Premier League relegation.
The 24-year-old, who is also qualified to represent Nigeria, was supposed to be in England's preliminary 33-man squad for Euro 2020, but he injured his Achilles the day the roster was announced.
We've liked him for a while, Southgate said. "He had a terrible time right before the Euros. He suffered an injury just as we were about to bring him into a prep camp.
He has had a solid finish to the season and can play multiple places on the front line. With his dribbling skills, he has great quality and quick bursts of speed to get past opponents.
Alexander-Arnold, a defender, is back in the group after making an impact in midfield for Liverpool recently. Southgate said he may use Alexander-Arnold in a similar position.
"He's a super footballer and he's playing in a slightly different role," Southgate continued. He has always played with the ball in advanced areas; he is just a little bit more central today. We find it intriguing, and it is a possibility that I have recently discussed with him. Trent's work with us will be exciting.
