TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has questioned why manager Gareth Southgate has been criticised for leaving out Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling from the England squad.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, Jordan claimed that Sterling has not performed as well this season as some have suggested:
“Curiously, and for reasons that quite frankly evade me, eyebrows have been raised over Raheem Sterling’s continued omission from the England squad.”
“But why? He’s been pretty bang average for Chelsea. OK, he’s had a few decent games in recent weeks but I haven’t seen a series of hugely impressive performances from him that mean he demands inclusion.”
Fans on X were not particularly impressed with Jordan’s remarks, with many questioning Southgate’s decision to pick the likes of Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish ahead of Sterling:
What is that blud waffling about😂
— 𝐂𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐟☆ (@CFC_CLIF) November 15, 2023
If Sterling is average, how do we classify Rashford and Grealish?
— Dickson Ochora (@dicksonochora) November 15, 2023
Wow
And Rashford has been what?— 9ball (@9ball445) November 15, 2023
Well if Raz is average then we might wanna talk about Rashford
— 24 (@Fortuneke_24) November 15, 2023
England don’t need him? Who is saying this? This man has been lethal this season for Chelsea, has more goal contributions than most wingers being called
— Gab riel (@tosalar2) November 15, 2023
Oh dear 😳
— sid bennett (@sidbennett1) November 15, 2023
But rashford has been very good right?
— oluwatoyin (@Toyinsultan) November 16, 2023
Sterling’s numbers suggest he should have been selected
The 28-year-old has been in pretty decent form this season, having scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 15 appearances for the Blues.
In contrast, the likes of Rashford and Grealish have managed just 1 goal and 5 assists between them so far this campaign. You do feel Jordan is just being controversial just to get a rise out of supporters.
Chelsea will have a rested and hungry player after the international break
While Sterling will be frustrated by his omission from the England squad, it could benefit his club. He will have two weeks rest before a busy festive schedule and he will be extra determined to prove Southgate wrong.
If he carries on from where he left off before the November break, Sterling will play a key role in helping Mauricio Pochettino’s side move up the table.
