I miss playing for England – Sterling

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling says he misses playing for England because it is “one of the best feelings you can ever have”.

The 29-year-old has not played for his country since the 2022 World Cup, when he flew home to attend a family emergency during the tournament in Qatar.

Former manager Gareth Southgate left the forward out of multiple squads since then, including his party for Euro 2024.

Southgate resigned following the defeat against Spain in the final and the Football Association is yet to appoint his successor, but Under-21 boss Lee Carsley is expected to take interim charge for the Nations League games in September.

When asked if he misses being around the England camp, Sterling said: “Of course, I love playing for England. It is one of the best feelings you can ever have.

“To see the boys out there brought me joy. To be honest they were the only games I watched – the England ones. I love playing for England.

“I am looking forward to getting back in the England set-up, that is for sure.”

Sterling’s chances of an England recall by virtue of eye-catching individual performances will be helped if Chelsea improve this season after two years of underachievement since he joined from Manchester City for £50m.

Enzo Maresca, who worked under Pep Guardiola at City, is now Chelsea’s manager and Sterling expects him to offer a familiar way of playing.

“[He can get the] best out of me, the best out of the team,” he added. “He has come in and stamped his authority, the way he wants to play.

“Yes, some of the results haven’t been pleasing but, with the ball, the right information is getting passed on. You can see the patterns coming through.

“It is early days so you can see where we’re looking to go. It is a learning process for the whole group and one we are grasping really quickly.

“The Premier League is coming along very soon so I do think there are good times ahead.”

Sterling played in all five of Chelsea’s friendlies during the pre-season tour of the United States, scoring one goal and providing one assist.