Paul Merson is ‘shocked’ by what’s just happened to £50m Chelsea player

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Paul Merson can’t believe today’s news that Chelsea star Raheem Sterling isn’t in the latest England squad.

Remarkably, Raheem Sterling hasn’t been in any England camp during 2023. His last call-up came at last year’s World Cup tournament in Qatar.

Gareth Southgate announced on Thursday his 25-man England squad for November’s international games, but yet again there was no room for Chelsea’s high-profile winger.

It means that the £50million attacker (Daily Mail) will get another two-week period without any games later this month.

Huge surprise

Paul Merson was left stunned by the decision with the latest England squad.

Merson wrote on X: “Still no room in the England squad for Raheem Sterling… Shocked!!”

We definitely expected an England recall for Sterling due to his recent Chelsea form!

Raheem Sterling must be beyond frustrated

Sterling’s never really let England down in the past, scoring 20 goals in 82 senior international caps for his country.

On top of that, the winger’s form this season in Chelsea colours is impressive and he’s finding a real rhythm again in his game.

It does make Southgate’s decision to look past him again somewhat baffling.

We can only guess that Sterling’s seething inside with the decision, especially as there’s only one more international camp after this one before the Euro 2024 tournament.

Speaking via talkSPORT last month, Martin Keown suggested that the Chelsea side may be relying too heavily on Sterling right now.

The player can only try to block out the external noise and keep playing football to his best standard. If he does, there’s still hope that Southgate comes to his senses soon and recalls him to the England fold.

While we’re on the subject of England’s senior squad, we don’t think Cole Palmer should be a million miles away from a first call-up to it, too.