Raheem Sterling has been told he's 'not a consideration' for England's World Cup squad given his poor form for Chelsea, by club legend Pat Nevin.
The England international was used in a wing-back role as Graham Potter's side visited the Amex. He struggled in the role and was subbed off in the 63rd minute as the Blues searched for a way back into the game.
After the match, former Blues winger Nevin ripped into the wide-man and suggested Sterling's alarming form could see him dropped from England's squad for Qatar.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live after the game, Nevin said: 'I'm watching Raheem Sterling right now and I've said that Graham Potter has got the best from every player since he has been there, with one exception. Raheem Sterling.
'If he keeps playing the way he is right now, he's not even a consideration for the World Cup. He is having a really really bad time and today he is having an absolutely terrible game.'
Sterling was played in Chelsea's left-wing back role - with Christian Pulisic on the other side - but struggled to adjust to his new position.
The Blues were ripped apart and found themselves three goals down within the first-half. Sterling was replaced in the 63rd minute with his side chasing the game.
Despite Sterling's shaky performance - and a humiliating 4-1 defeat - Chelsea boss Potter refused to throw any of his players 'under the bus'.
The Blues boss said: 'It's the Premier League, so everywhere is difficult. Brighton are a good side, I know that and with the crowd and the atmosphere they created, they put you under pressure.
'We made a couple of unforced errors to start everything off but that can happen.
'I'm not going to throw the players under the bus at all because they've been brilliant for us - they've given everything for me.'
Sterling has failed to make the expected impact after his £47.5 million from Manchester City earlier this summer.
All three of Sterling's Premier League goals this season came in August and he's since struggled to get back on the scoresheet.
He's managed to get one goal in the Champions League as the Blues drew in their first encounter with RB Salzburg last month.
