Raheem Sterling Wishes To Play For England After Two-Year Absence

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has expressed his desire to return to the England national team, citing his love for playing for his country and the joy it brings him.

Raheem Sterling, 29, has been absent from international duty since the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he had to leave the tournament due to a family emergency.

Despite his absence, Sterling continues to express his deep affection for representing England and eagerly anticipates rejoining the national team.

When asked if he misses playing for the England national team by the BBC, Sterling said: “Of course, I love playing for England. It is one of the best feelings you can ever have.

“To see the boys out there brought me joy. To be honest they were the only games I watched – the England ones. I love playing for England.

“I am looking forward to getting back in the England set-up, that is for sure.”

Following the departure of former manager Gareth Southgate, who resigned after England’s defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the English Football Association is in the process of appointing a new coach.

In the interim, it is expected that Under-21 manager Lee Carsley will take charge of the upcoming Nations League games in September.

Sterling’s desire for an England recall hinges on his performance for Chelsea, with hopes that a strong season for the club will bolster his chances of rejoining the national squad.

With Enzo Maresca taking the reins as Chelsea’s manager, Sterling has expressed optimism about the team’s potential, emphasizing Maresca’s ability to bring out the best in both him and the entire team.

“[He can get the] best out of me, the best out of the team,” Raheem Sterling said. “He has come in and stamped his authority, the way he wants to play.

“Yes, some of the results haven’t been pleasing, but with the ball, the right information is getting passed on. You can see the patterns coming through.

“It is early days so you can see where we’re looking to go. It is a learning process for the whole group and one we are grasping really quickly.

“The Premier League is coming along very soon so I do think there are good times ahead.”

Note that Raheem Sterling featured in all of Chelsea’s five friendlies this summer, contributing a goal and an assist.