Southgate calls up new face Eze, Sterling misses out

Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze received his first call-up to the England squad Wednesday as Raheem Sterling was omitted for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Brighton and Hove Albion captain Lewis Dunk is rewarded for his fine season with a first call-up for four-and-a-half years.

Sterling, who has won 82 caps, has endured a difficult first season since joining Chelsea from Manchester City.

A representative for the forward said his absence was part of a mutual decision to allow him to focus on "recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season".

England are well on course to qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany after beating Italy and Ukraine in their opening Group C fixtures.

Gareth Southgate's men travel to Malta on June 16 before hosting North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later.

Eze's performances have caught the eye, with six goals in eight games under Roy Hodgson, who returned to Selhurst Park as coach in March.

Dunk's only previous cap came against the United States in November 2018.

Southgate revealed Sterling's absence was largely down to fitness issues rather than form.

"I spoke with him a week or so ago - a general catch-up," he said.

"He's not happy physically with his condition, having been carrying a hamstring problem. He really wasn't in consideration.

"We didn't get to the point of whether he should be in or out. He doesn't think he is operating at the level he needs."

The England boss said he was looking forward to working with midfielder Eze.

He said: "We have liked him for a long time. I think he has finished the season really strongly. He can play in a couple of positions across the attacking line.

"He is a goal threat, he's got nice ability and speed to go past people and can take people out of the game with his dribbling skills. We are looking forward to seeing him a bit closer."

England squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone 

Defenders: Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyrone Mings 

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Eberechi Eze 

Forwards: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, James Maddison, Callum Wilson