Eberechi Eze was first called up for England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers next month, but Raheem Sterling has been left out.

Chelsea striker Raheem Sterling has made a joint decision to sit out following talks with boss Gareth Southgate.

England take on Malta at Ta’ Qali on June 16 and North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later.

Three Lions top early Group C standings beat italy and ukraine In the two qualifiers in March.

Explaining his decision to drop Sterling, Southgate said: “He wasn’t happy with his fitness, he had a hamstring problem. He wasn’t really taken into account.

“He didn’t think he was at the level he needed to be.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyrone Mings and Lewis Dunk have also been recalled.

Dunk’s only previous appearance was against the United States in 2018, and he returned to the team after helping Brighton to qualify for the European competition for the first time in the club’s history.

Chelsea’s trio of Reece James, Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are out through injury, while Arsenal’s Ben White, Tottenham’s Eric Dier, Everton’s Conor Coady or AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori have no place.

Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was also not included as he required surgery on a hand injury and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone was recalled as his replacement for the first time since March 2022.

City’s five-man group of John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Calvin Phillips are also included, but due to their participation in the game against Inter Milan on June 10 In the Champions League final, they will join the team later.

The same applies to Declan Rice, captain of West Ham United, who face Fiorentina in the Europa League final on June 7.

Brentford striker Ivan Toni made his debut against Ukraine in March but missed the game eight month ban Breach of the FA Betting Rules.

Eze is rewarded for good performance

Eze, who featured at both U20 and U21 levels, was called up after leading Crystal Palace to a dramatic turnaround under manager Roy Hodgson, with the Eagles in nine games under the former England boss. Five wins and two draws ended the lingering fear. Premier League relegation.

The 24-year-old, who is also eligible to play for Nigeria, was expected to be included in England’s provisional 33-man Euro 2020 squad two years ago but suffered an Achilles tendon injury on the same day the squad was announced.

“We’ve liked him for a long time,” Southgate said. “Just before the Euros, he was very unfortunate. We were going to send him to training camp, but he got injured.

“He finished the season very strong and he can play in a couple of positions up front. He has quality and explosiveness and can go beyond players who have the skill to dribble.”

Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold is also back, having impressed in Liverpool’s midfield in recent weeks and Southgate says he could play him in a similar role.

“He’s a super footballer and he plays a slightly different role,” Southgate added. “He’s been with the ball up front, he’s just a little bit more central now. It’s interesting for us and an option, I’ve talked to him about some things in recent weeks. We’re looking forward to working with Trent.”

goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defender: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Mark Gersh (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) , Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielder: Jude Bellingham (Dortmund), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United)

forward: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), James Maddison (Leicester City), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)