Gareth Southgate has told Raheem Sterling he needs to continue working hard after snubbing the forward in his latest England squad.

Sterling has been one of the league’s sharpest players since the start of the 2023-24 season, but despite his good form, the former Manchester City man was yet again snubbed as Southgate announced his players’ list for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendly against Australia on October 13, and Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy four days later.

Southgate said when asked of Sterling’s absence from his squad: “Some have had better spells than others and there’s different competition for places.

“They find themselves unfortunate not to be with us at the moment, they just have to keep playing well.

“Perseverance is a crucial thing in sport.”

We should add that both Levi Colwill and Conor Gallagher have both been included in Southgate’s squad, however.