England manager, Gareth Southgate, has unveiled his squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers next month.
Southgate has dropped Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling for the two games.
The Three Lions will aim to continue their perfect start to qualification from Group C when they take on Malta and North Macedonia next month.
But despite being one of Southgate’s stalwarts in qualifying and at major tournaments for England, Sterling misses out after a tumultuous and disappointing season with Chelsea.
The winger has had to overcome numerous injury setbacks while overseeing three managerial tenures in west London, all while former club Manchester City celebrate a third straight league title.
Southgate explained Sterling’s omission in his latest press conference, confirming that the 28-year-old admitted to lacking the optimal fitness level necessary to turn out for his country.
“I spoke with him a week or so ago. A general catch-up,” he said.
“He is not happy with his condition physically, carrying a hamstring problem. He wasn’t really in consideration. He doesn’t think he is operating at the level he needs.”
