When it comes to English football, few names evoke the same level of excitement and expectation as Raheem Sterling. With 82 caps under his belt, Sterling has long been a mainstay of the national team, known for his blistering pace, skill on the ball, and clutch performances on the biggest stages. Yet, for the past year or so, Sterling has been noticeably absent from the Three Lions’ lineup, raising questions about his future with the team.
It’s no secret that Sterling’s relationship with former England manager Gareth Southgate grew increasingly strained following the 2022 World Cup. After flying home to attend to a family emergency during the tournament, Sterling was left out of multiple squads by Southgate, including the one for Euro 2024. The decision was seen as a major snub, with many questioning whether Sterling’s days in an England shirt were numbered.
The Road to Redemption
Now, with Southgate having resigned as England manager, the door may be open for Sterling to make a return to the national team. Under-21 boss Lee Carsley is expected to take interim charge for the upcoming Nations League games, and many believe that Sterling’s chances of an England recall will be helped if Chelsea can improve their form this season.
Enzo Maresca, who worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is now at the helm at Chelsea, and Sterling is optimistic that the new manager can get the best out of him. “He can get the best out of me, the best out of the team,” Sterling said in a recent interview. “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.”
Sterling’s comments suggest that he is eager to put the past behind him and focus on the future. With Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States having come to a close, the winger will be looking to carry his form into the new season and make a strong case for an England recall.
A New Era for Chelsea
Chelsea’s appointment of Enzo Maresca as manager marks a new era for the club, one that Sterling believes will bring success. “It is early days, so you can see where we’re looking to go,” he said. “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.”
For Sterling, the opportunity to work with Maresca is a welcome one. Having played under some of the biggest names in the game, including Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel, Sterling is confident that Maresca can help him reach new heights. “He has come in and stamped his authority, the way he wants to play,” he said. “I think that’s important for any team, to have a clear idea of how you want to play.”
What to Expect from Maresca’s Chelsea
So, what can we expect from Maresca’s Chelsea? The Italian manager has a reputation for playing attractive, attacking football, and Sterling believes that this approach will suit him down to the ground. “I think the way he wants to play will suit me, will suit the team,” he said. “We’re looking to play with a high press, to win the ball back quickly, and to create chances. I think that’s the way the game is going, and I think that’s the way we can be successful.”
A Focus on Youth
One of the key aspects of Maresca’s approach is his focus on youth development. The Italian has a reputation for giving young players a chance, and Sterling believes that this will be a major benefit for Chelsea. “I think it’s great that the manager is looking to give young players a chance,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to come in and make a name for themselves. I think that’s what the game is all about, giving young players a chance to shine.”
A Return to the International Stage
For Sterling, the ultimate goal is to return to the international stage and represent England once again. With the Nations League games just around the corner, the winger will be hoping to catch the eye of interim manager Lee Carsley and make a strong case for an England recall.
“I love playing for England,” Sterling said. “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.”
With his sights set firmly on a return to the international stage, Sterling will be looking to make a big impact for Chelsea this season. If he can replicate his form from previous seasons, there’s no reason why he can’t force his way back into the England team and make a major contribution to the country’s success.