Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has expressed his longing to play for England again, describing it as “one of the best feelings you can ever have.” The 29-year-old has been absent from the national team since the 2022 World Cup when he returned home to address a family emergency during the tournament in Qatar. Former England manager Gareth Southgate excluded him from subsequent squads, including the Euro 2024 team.
With Southgate having resigned after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the Football Association has yet to appoint a permanent successor. Under-21 manager Lee Carsley is expected to serve as interim manager for the Nations League games in September. Sterling shared his eagerness to rejoin the national squad, saying, “Of course, I love playing for England. It is one of the best feelings you can ever have. I am looking forward to getting back in the England set-up, that is for sure.”
Sterling’s potential return to the England team may be bolstered by standout performances at Chelsea, where he has played since his £50 million transfer from Manchester City. The club has struggled in recent seasons, but Sterling is optimistic about their prospects under new manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Pep Guardiola at City. Sterling believes Maresca’s familiar style can enhance both his and the team’s performance.
Despite some disappointing results, Sterling sees progress at Chelsea and anticipates improvement as the Premier League season approaches. “You can see the patterns coming through. It is early days, so you can see where we’re looking to go,” he said. During Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States, Sterling participated in all five friendlies, contributing one goal and one assist, and remains hopeful for the club’s future.
