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Sterling absence shines light on England’s depth

Gareth spoilt for choice in attacking positions

SAMI MOKBEL Chief Football Reporter at the Al Bayt Stadium

THE selection dilemma England manager Gareth Southgate found himself agonising over was ultimately taken out of his hands.

Just days after Ben White returned home due to a personal matter, Raheem Sterling was also removed from the line of duty.

The forward was concerned enough to decide last night that he would fly home to London following a burglary at his house, although he was still in Doha as the 3-0 victory over Senegal kicked off.

This may be a World Cup but certain things are more important than football.

No one in their right mind can question Sterling’s motives here, particularly considering members of the player’s family were in the property when the incident took place.

Southgate being Southgate, he pushed his preparations for last night’s clash to one side to offer Sterling the support he needed.

‘I had quite a bit of time with him this morning,’ he said before kick-off. For the England manager, the welfare of his players will always be a priority, even hours before a vital World Cup last-16 tie.

In many ways, Sterling’s absence did Southgate a favour.

It is, of course, nonsensical to suggest Sterling was not needed last night. You always miss a player of his calibre.

But the manner of England’s victory merely emphasised a burgeoning sense that England are no longer reliant on Sterling’s brilliance. Indeed, the fact that there was doubt over whether he would even start against Senegal provides an accurate reflection of the situation the Chelsea star finds himself in.

Having arrived in Qatar as one of the first names on England’s team- sheet, Sterling’s place in Southgate’s strongest XI no longer appears guaranteed.

Not even his most vocal critics would have predicted that ahead of the tournament, but the supporting cast have thrust themselves into the spotlight.

Bukayo Saka’s instant recall indicates how highly the Arsenal star is regarded by Southgate. The fact that he scored, to take his tournament tally to three, will only cement his position as a member of Southgate’s strongest team.

Phil Foden keeping his place ahead of Marcus Rashford provided further evidence of England’s enviable riches in those attacking positions.

Having scored and won the free-kick that led to England’s opener against Wales last week, Foden put Saka’s goal on a plate last night.

Just for good measure, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount were introduced off the bench to rub Senegal’s face in it.

It now remains to be seen whether Sterling is available for the quarter-final against France on Saturday.

Given he is returning to London, then there appears little chance of him rejoining training until Wednesday at the absolute earliest. Even then, the turmoil of events back in England, and the effect on his body of two long-haul flights, will be taken into account when Southgate selects his team for the France clash.

Southgate may feel starting Sterling on Saturday is too risky. But, whatever happens, it is crystal clear England can cope without him.

And who is to say Southgate would have selected Sterling in his team anyway? How do you drop Saka after this?

Likewise, surely Foden deserves to keep his place after making another tangible World Cup contribution.

Let’s also not forget Rashford. There are many who would have selected the Manchester United forward ahead of Sterling last night, regardless of whether he was available or not.

Of course, all that is for Southgate to decide and the England manager will hope to have all of his best players available to choose from.

But there was a time when an England starting XI without Sterling was unthinkable. That is no longer the case.

WORLD CUP 2022

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2022-12-05T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-05T08:00:00.0000000Z

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