Scratch ’n learn
IDOL TO ME SAYS CALLUM
to have someone like him doing what he’s doing and being around you every time. I want to keep learning off what he does. He is a nice person to be around, very positive.”
Though Southgate has banished Sterling from the England side for tomorrow’s Euro qualifier, it appears the City flier retains the support and affection of the vast majority of his Three Lions’ team-mates.
“What’s happened, happened,” said Hudson-Odoi.
“It’s a situation where we have dealt with it as a team and moved on from it. We’ve had a little talk with each other and made sure everything is okay.”
The teenager revealed he’s looked up to Sterling ever since he broke into the England squad, admitting he was surprised how approachable he was.
He said: “Raheem is very encouraging and very positive about everything he does. When I first came in, I didn’t expect him to be so nice.
“Whenever he says something, he wants to take a stance and make sure everything is okay. He’s a big leader in the team because he’s a very top player for club and country.” team,” said the England boss after revealing Sterling would suffer no repercussions from the spat.
The player will sit in the Wembley stands for England’s 1,000th international but is almost certain to be recalled for Sunday’s game in Kosovo.
Southgate has taken full responsibility for coming down heavily on Sterling after he confronted Gomez in the canteen 24 hours after City’s 3-1 defeat at Anfield, where the players also clashed.
“I have discussions with all of my staff and with the leadership group but ultimately, I’m the manager and I make the decision,” added Southgate.
“In the end, I have to find the right solution for the group and for how we will work moving forward.
“I consult very closely with all the players, in particular the senior ones who have a very good understanding of the way we’ve worked over the years. It’s brought us a lot of togetherness which is still there and we’re a united group.
“Now we have to focus on the football. We’ve got a hugely important qualifier on Thursday night.”
Asked if he was disappointed with Sterling’s conduct, he just said: “I love all of my players.”
Defender Ben Chilwell spoke about the clear-the-air talks.
He said: “Gareth spoke about the situation and asked us what we thought.
“Joe and Raheem got the chance to talk, which they both wanted to do, and for Raheem, he wanted to apologise and Joe wanted to get stuff off his chest as well and that was it – done.
“Raheem was apologetic. He said that was not in his nature, which it is not.”
After Monday’s incident, Sterling released a statement saying: “We are in a sport where emotions run high and I am man enough to admit when emotions get the better of me.”
Meantime, Fabian Delph has returned to Everton because of a hamstring injury.