Frank Lampard is unsure about the reason behind the omission of Chelsea star Raheem Sterling from the England squad
Speaking to the media ahead of the Manchester United game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is not sure what conversation Raheem Sterling had with Gareth Southgate after the Blues forward got omitted from the latest England squad for the June Euros qualifiers.
After joining Chelsea last summer, Sterling has struggled for consistency in game time and performances. He has played only 2471 minutes in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals and assisting four (Transfermarkt).
When asked about the 28-year-old, the Three Lions boss Southgate insisted that the door is always open for Sterling to come back into the team having played key roles in big tournaments in the past.
Here’s what Lampard said in the aftermath of the squad announcement (h/t Football.London):
“I don’t know the exact details of the conversation between Raheem and Gareth [Southgate] and where that is at all. All I do know is that Raheem is a top-level player that has played for England for a lot of time.
“From my personal memories of playing for England for many years, I know sometimes these games at the end of the season are different challenges compared to individuals who have played a lot of games, a lot of minutes. So if there’s a mutual conversation between the two of them then I’m sure they will find the right outcome – best for England, best for Raheem.”
This omission should spur Sterling on to do better things at the back end of this season and the start of the next. He has recently shown signs of coming back to his best, which is good news for Chelsea fans.
Despite an underwhelming first year at Stamford Bridge, we know that the 28-year-old has the talent and experience to come good in a dark blue shirt from next season onwards.
It would be interesting where the incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino plays him. His favoured position is on the left wing but can offer a threat to the opposition’s defence by playing as a nine or on the right wing too.
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In his career so far, Sterling has always struck back well when doubted. He is at an age where he should be at the peak of his powers. One bad season should not tarnish the good things he has done so far in Premier League football. More should come, this time in a Chelsea shirt in the coming years.