'Free Raheem Sterling!' - England boss Gareth Southgate slammed by Rio Ferdinand after snubbing in-form Chelsea star from latest Three Lions squad

The Manchester United legend was left frustrated as Sterling was once again ignored by England manager Southgate in the Three Lions squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying games. Ferdinand slammed the English manager while pointing out that the Chelsea star has more goal contributions this season than Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford combined.

The former Manchester City and Liverpool star hasn't featured for the English national team since their World Cup quarter-final against France in December 2022. Although the player was injured in the opening round of Euro 2024 qualifying games in March, he was ignored for the next four consecutive England call-ups.

Speaking on his YouTube channel Five, the former England defender said: "Free Sterling. Free my guy, Raheem Sterling. I don’t know what he’s done; I don’t know whose nose he has put out of joint. I don’t know what’s happened. For him not to be in the England squad is beyond me. There’s a lot of talent; don’t get me wrong. But if we’re talking form, he’s got more goals and assists, more goal contributions than Rashford and Grealish put together."

Southgate's men, who have already booked a berth at next year's European Championship, will first face Malta on Friday before taking on North Macedonia three days later.