England fans have rushed to social media in reaction to Gareth Soutgate's latest Three Lions squad, with the omission of Raheem Sterling and the inclusion of Harry Maguire the biggest grievances amongst supporters.
The England boss revealed his squad for next month's Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and the 150th Anniversary match with Scotland on Thursday, with some notable headline picks.
Southgate gave first call-ups to Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal, but there was no place for Blues forward Sterling, despite his impressive start to life under Mauricio Pochettino.
Sterling, who has netted twice in three games since the start of the season, has missed the two England squads through injury and now has been omitted from Southgate's plans, as he focuses on the bulk of the squad that made a strong start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
The omission of Sterling however, hasn't gone down well with England fans online who vented their frustration at the decision on Twitter.
'How you call Maguire and leave out Sterling is sad'. One post read, adding; 'Southgate is more than a clown. Unfair to Sterling best winger in the league.'
While another was more to the point by posting; 'How has Raheem Sterling not got in that England squad?'
A lot of fans were not happy with Southgate's reasoning behind the inclusion of Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips, who are yet to feature for their clubs this season, over the more in-form players like Sterling.
With one fans suggesting that Sterling should still be including if the England boss is taken into account previous displays for this country. Posting; 'I'm a big Southgate fan, and Maguire has also been excellent for England.
BUT how Phillips is still getting in the squad I have no idea - Ward-Prowse definitely should be. Sterling has only had one good game, but if Maguire is there on previous England form then Sterling should be too.'
Another fan agreed and couldn't get on board with Southgate's reasoning either, questioning why he would include the same names but not the Chelsea winger.
They said: 'Let me get this straight about Southgate explanation about why Sterling was left out. He doesn’t believe that anyone from the attack warrants being dropped The same guy that has picked Maguire, Phillips and Rashford. Absolute BS'.
There was even some accusations of favouritism from some corners, accusing Southgate of being biased to his senior players and over looking others more deserving.
'Been saying it for years that Southgate is NOT the man for this job.' The post read.
'A squad with this much quality and you’re not near competing for major tournaments. So happy for Eddie to make the squad but taking Maguire, Henderson, and leaving White, Sterling, etc at home. The bias reeks.'
Others were the more traditional route, and simply posted a crying emjoi next to the statement 'No Raheem Sterling'.
Pebdenpty
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As for me I see this differently, the English fans are the real clowns. Complaining for Maguire & Sterling those two players play different positions. So now tell me yu England fans do you really expect Southgate to drop Maguire in that defence and replace him with Sterling? Or drop Phillips and replace with Sterling? That's madness at it's best. Leave Southgate alone let him call the players that he thinks will win him the matches at the end of the day he's the one who's employed. When the England national team loses he's the one who'll be fired not these England fans who're super clowns, who always ready to judge everyone. If they wanna be coaches they must go and apply for coaching lessons and stop criticism. [ko]