Gareth Southgate has been criticised for his decision to leave Raheem Sterling out of England’s squad for their upcoming internationals against Australia and Italy.

Sterling is unarguably one of England’s best players, having played a major part in the successes enjoyed by the current team managed by Southgate.

The winger made a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge, following his move from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, but he has since started to show the same form that saw the Blues fork out a hefty fee for his services.

The 27-year-old was back in Chelsea’s starting XI, as the Blues thrashed Burnley 4-1 at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon, playing a part in all four goals, and according to Sky Sports pundit, Paul Merson, it’s difficult to understand why Southgate has chosen to snub the forward.

He said on Sky Sports: “I thought Sterling as outstanding. From box to box Chelsea have been alright, it’s just been putting the ball in the back of the net.

“Today it came off and it was all down to Sterling he was absolutely outstanding.

“It beats me (why he isn’t in the England squad) he has his ups and downs but when he has his good games he’s the X-factor.

“When you want to win World Cup and European Championships you have to have someone out of the ordinary.

“If they all play to their best in a one-off game he will effect the game more than anybody he has got that. He scores goals, he’s got pace.

“Of course he has his bad games but how he’s not in that England squad is beyond me.”