Chelsea stars Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling fail to make England provisional squad ahead of Euro 2024
As per the Guardian, Chelsea trio Reece James, Ben Chilwell, and Raheem Sterling have missed out on the England provisional squad ahead of Euro 2024, as the Three Lions head coach Gareth Southgate made a string of strict decisions this time.
It makes sense for James and Chilwell as both fullbacks have not been at their full fitness and have had another injury-ridden season, with Chilwell frequently picking up plenty of injuries and missing Chelsea’s last game against Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Sterling, who has missed many international friendlies, had a chance to redeem himself this season and demonstrate his ability ahead of the tournament, but it seems like it was not enough to convince Southgate to call him up for the competition.
Sterling has scored just eight goals in the Premier League and for a forward who has been playing in the Premier League for a decade is certainly not good numbers, while other players were ahead in the ranks and deservingly received call-ups ahead of the event.
Meanwhile, James had a chance to prove his fitness to Southgate after making a return from a hamstring injury in a 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest. He also had an assist to his name.
However, against Brighton & Hove Albion, the 24-year-old picked up a yellow card for his petulant foul, which could have ruined his chances of getting picked by Southgate for the tournament. However, there is still a chance for the full-back to be named on the roster, given that it’s a provisional squad.
Southgate will name the real roster weeks before the event, and hopefully James and Sterling will have a chance, while for Chilwell, it looks unlikely he will be called up as he has endured a poor season and didn’t have much impact.
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Sterling’s performance this campaign hasn’t been convincing either, but James has the real possibility because we saw it when he entered the match against Forest and made an instant impact with a match-winning assist. Even if he doesn’t get called, it will be better for him to build his fitness for the next season and remain injury-free.