STROP AND GO
Southgate admits he’s given Sterling the hump but says he will play again on Sunday
GARETH SOUTHGATE has admitted Raheem Sterling has the hump with him after being axed from England’s 1,000th game tonight.
Speaking ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley, the Three Lions boss said: “You don’t have to be an expert in human behaviour to think it – the hump – was possible.” Manchester City winger Sterling is set to return for Sunday’s trip to Kosovo and is likely to take part in the ceremony ahead of tonight’s match. But he will take no part in the game after
being stood down following his explosive St George’s Park scrap with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez on Monday.
Asked whether Sterling had “the hump” with him, Southgate said: “I wouldn’t imagine that he’s hugely enthusiastic – but I can understand that.
“He’s with the group, that’s the most important thing. He’s a massive part of what we do – has been, will be.
“He’s with us for the game at Wembley, he’s back with the team on the training pitch, enjoying his football. He trained superbly well, as he always does.
“There might be observation about where might he be in terms of me but, for me, the thing is finished and I’m happy.” Sterling’s bust-up with Gomez followed an on-field row during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over
City last Sunday – a day before the England squad met up.
Southgate dismissed suggestions he would not have taken the controversial decision to drop Sterling had England been playing against a bigger nation, such as Spain or France.
He added: “It’s hypothetical, really, because we’re not.”
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, set to play tonight, insisted there are “definitely no cliques” between players from rival clubs.
“Everybody mixes,” said the 26-year-old centre-back. “We all share tables, and share jokes and laughs together.
“You’ve seen how good the unity in the squad is over the past couple of years. The group has grown together.
“We continue to keep on growing and that’s really important.”