Raheem Sterling has been sensationally axed from England’s Euro 2020 qualifier with Montenegro after a remarkable bust-up with Joe Gomez.
England boss Gareth Southgate has taken the amazing step after players witnessed Sterling re-ignite a row which started at Anfield on Sunday.
Sterling is understood to have still been simmering after the title showdown and immediately continued the row when they reported up at St George’s Park on Monday.
Manchester City star Sterling is understood to have tried to provoke a reaction from Gomez and witnesses said they heard him ask the Liverpool defender whether he was “still the big man.”
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Gomez kept his cool and resisted getting involved but was left fuming by the row and was shocked that Sterling would react in such a way.
It is understood that Sterling later apologised to his England team mate but it was not enough for Southgate who decided to take the extraordinary action.
Sterling will remain with the squad and could play against Kosovo but Southgate wanted to make a statement after the row which happened in a private team area at St George’s Park.
Southgate said: “We have taken the decision to not consider Raheem for the match against Montenegro on Thursday.
“One of the great challenges and strengths for us is that we’ve been able to separate club rivalries from the national team. Unfortunately the emotions of yesterday’s game were still raw.
“My feeling is that the right thing for the team is the action we have taken. Now that the decision has been made with the agreement of the entire squad, it’s important that we support the players and focus on Thursday night.”
It is believed Gomez is still angry after the row but Southgate will be hoping his action has defused the row.
The pair had shaken hands and embraced after the row at the end of the game at Anfield and that is why Gomez was so shocked that Sterling started it again 24 hours later.
