Raheem Sterling

The Premier League, along with the majority of sporting tournaments and events across the globe, is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Many nations are in total or near-total lockdown, with people only allowed to leave their homes for essential trips and exercise.

Though there is no sport to keep people entertained, some of the biggest names – both players and managers – from the Premier League came together on Saturday at 1500 GMT to spread the message: "stay at home, save lives."

Using his official Twitter and Instagram accounts, Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling shared a video.

"We need to stay at home, let's help our NHS by staying home, only leave if you need food, medicine or exercise," Sterling said. "The NHS have been doing a fantastic job so let's help them continue doing their wonderful work."

He was also joined by his City team-mates Aymeric Laporteand Benjamin Mendy, as well as the club's ladies captain Steph Houghton.

Across the city, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaeralso offered his support to the campaign.

"Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives," the Norwegian said in a video posted to United's Twitter feed.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus on March 12 and, having now recovered, he also shared the message.

"I encourage everybody, please be responsible and stay at home as much as possible," the Spaniard said.

Meanwhile, Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard said: "To help save lives, you must stay home. Only leave home to buy essential food, medicine or for individual exercise and always stay two metres apart. This is an urgent message. Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives."

Premier League leaders Liverpool shared a graphic which read: "Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives."

Tottenham striker and England captain Harry Kane did not share a video, but wrote in a post on Twitter: "Saturday 3pm normally means football. But at the moment it's far more important everyone stays home. Do your bit. Protect the NHS, save lives."

Having kicked off Euro 2024 qualification with wins over Italy and Ukraine, attention turns to June’s straightforward-looking doubleheader against Malta and North Macedonia.

Sterling is the most eye-catching absentee for those games as a difficult first season since swapping Manchester City for Chelsea comes to a frustrating conclusion.

The 28-year-old has not played for England since the World Cup quarter-final exit to France – when a burglary at home disrupted his preparations – as injury ruled him out of the March camp.

“I spoke with him a week or so ago – a general catch-up,” England boss Southgate said.

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

“So, 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.”

A representative for Sterling called it a “mutual decision” that allows the player to focus on “recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season”.

The 28-year-old is determined to play a key role for England next term and Southgate says he can get back into the fold ahead of next year’s finals, as can omitted Tottenham defender Eric Dier.

“As we’ve shown with Tyrone (Mings) coming back (this time) and other players like Trent (Alexander-Arnold) coming back in, the door is always open when players are playing well,” Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Eric and Raheem both have physical issues really at the moment that they’re dealing with, so there’s part of that is behind that decision as well.

“But there’s another year to go before the Euros and it’s possible for everybody to get in that squad.”

Mings, Alexander-Arnold, Callum Wilson and Sam Johnstone returned to the England squad as Southgate has largely stuck with the tried and tested for the Group C games, with Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eze the only uncapped player named in the group.

The 24-year-old finally get his shot with England after an Achilles injury cost him a place in the provisional Euro 2020 squad.

“We have liked him for a long time,” Southgate said.

“He was very unfortunate just before the Euros. We were going to call him into a prep camp to have a look at him and he got a bad injury.

“I remember talking to Roy Hodgson about him then and Roy telling me he’d picked up an injury in training that day.

“I think he has finished the season really strongly, he can play in a couple of positions across that attacking line.

“He’s a goal threat, he’s got nice ability and bursts of speed to go past people and to take people out of the game with dribbling skills.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him a bit closer and everybody I speak to talks brilliantly about him as a person as well.”

Dunk has played for England but the Brighton captain has not been selected since winning his first cap against the United States in November 2018.

“Brighton’s football this year has been exceptional and Lewis Dunk and Levi Cowell have been a big part of that,” Southgate said.

“He’s shown great composure with the ball, he’s asked to defend very often one against one situations and he thoroughly deserves his call.”

The squad also includes Marcus Rashford, who missed March’s fixtures and last featured for England in a qualifier in the run to the last Euros.

“He’s a super player who’s had a really good season, so he’s an important player for us,” Southgate told talkSPORT.

“We’ve not been blessed with having him to be able to put in the team too often but we’re hoping that’s different. And we’re looking forward to seeing him again.”

There is no place for Ben White, who has not featured for England since leaving Qatar after the World Cup group stage due to personal reasons.

“I spoke with Ben before the camp in March,” Southgate added.

“But at the moment, we’ve got (Kieran) Trippier and (Kyle) Walker in that area of the pitch.

“He’s had a very good season, as have the whole Arsenal team, but he’s not ahead of those guys at the moment.”

Real Madrid playmaker Modric was influential as Croatia came from behind to beat Gareth Southgate's side 2-1 after extra time in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

A generation of exciting young talent will try to help England right that wrong at an expectant Wembley, with Chelsea star Mount one of the leading lights.

No Englishman created more goalscoring opportunities than the 22-year-old's 87 in the Premier League in 2020-21. Mount ended the top-flight campaign with six goals and five assists before laying on Kai Havertz's winner in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

Chelsea secured their place in the continental showpiece with a 3-1 aggregate semi-final win over Madrid, and Mount enlisted the help of club team-mate and Modric's international colleague Mateo Kovacic to secure a prized possession – the Ballon d'Or winner's shirt.

"Ever since he was in the Premier League with Tottenham, I have watched him quite closely," Mount said of Modric.

"Playing against him, it was weird because I had watched him so much. I kind of knew his moves and what he was going to do."

Speaking at a pre-match news conference, Modric reprised the row over Croatia's impression of English arrogance at Russia 2018 in the form of the "It's Coming Home" slogan – the chorus line from the Euro 96 song Three Lions, despite it largely being used in self-deprecation by England fans.

"That arrogance is not so much related to the players but the people around them, some of the journalists and commentators," he said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England – Raheem Sterling

Southgate looks set to keep faith with Sterling, who only scored one of his 14 Manchester City goals this season after the end of February. If he sees off the claims of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish for a starting berth, it will be because of his fine form in international colours. Since Russia 2018, no England player has scored more goals from open play than Sterling's 11.

Croatia – Ivan Perisic

Perisic netted the equaliser when the sides met in Moscow and tends to revel on the big stage. The experienced Inter winger is one of three European players to have either scored or assisted in the past for major tournaments since Euro 2012, alongside Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo.

KEY OPTA FACTS

- England are taking part in their 10th European Championship finals – no team has played as many games in the tournament without ever reaching the final (31).
- Croatia have lost against the eventual winner in three of their past four major tournaments: Spain at Euro 2012, Portugal at Euro 2016 and France in the final of the 2018 World Cup.
- England have never won their opening game at a European Championship (D5 L4). Croatia, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their five Euro openers (W4 D1).
- Harry Kane was the top scorer in Euro 2020 qualifying, netting in every one of England's eight matches (12 goals), becoming the first player to do this in a single qualification campaign for the Three Lions.
- Since the start of 2019-20, only Zlatan Ibrahimovic (25) has scored more Serie A goals for Milan than Ante Rebic (22).

With a greater focus on racial inequality across society following the death of George Floyd, attention has again shifted to the absence of black representation in football's managerial circles.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling this week claimed there was "no representation of us in the coaching staffs".

Sterling suggested Campbell and Cole "haven't been given the right opportunities" as coaches, in contrast to Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.

Campbell is at Southend United having previously managed Macclesfield Town, while Cole last year took up a coaching role in Chelsea's academy.

Eriksson coached both as England boss and says the pair are "very clever young men" who can become successful managers.

"Unfortunately, I have to say there are not so many black managers around the world and if you ask me why, I don't know, but it's a fact," Eriksson told Stats Perform News.

"You have [Clarence] Seedorf, who has been rather successful here and there, so there are [some]. I think you have a lot of South Americans, but probably it should be more.

"[Campbell and Cole] are two very clever young men, boys when I had them. Extremely good football players, of course, and the knowledge of football is second to none.

"They know their football and are good people. When they talk, you listen. So I can't see any reason why they shouldn't be good managers as well - coaches, managers, whatever."

Eriksson saw similar potential in Lampard and has been impressed by his early work at Chelsea, having been appointed last year following a successful season at Derby County.

"I think he's doing very well and already last season we saw what he could do, so I think it was a good choice of Chelsea to take him," Eriksson said. "I think he will be there for many, many years.

"He's doing a great job and he's coming from a football family. He was born with football - his father, his uncle, the whole family - so I'm not surprised.

"And when I had him with England, you could see that he's a very clever man, clever football thinking, so it's not a surprise that he's become a good manager as well."

The winger last played for England in the 2022 World Cup, coming off the bench in their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to France.

Since then, he has failed to make the last seven squads in a row, including the party for Euro 2024 which saw the Three Lions reach a second consecutive European Championship final.

Gareth Southgate resigned following their defeat to Spain in that final, with Under-21 boss Lee Carsley expected to be in charge for the upcoming Nations League matches in September, with no permanent successor appointed yet.

Sterling, who has earned 82 caps for England since making his debut in 2012, admitted he misses representing his country and is hopeful of regaining his place soon.

"Of course [I miss it], I love playing for England. It is one of the best feelings you can ever have," Sterling said.

"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 was told by then-manager Southgate earlier this year that he faced a fight to regain his place due to Chelsea's underachievement in the last two seasons since he joined from Manchester City.

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the 30-year-old played in all five of their pre-season friendlies, scoring once and assisting once, and he is hoping the Italian will be key to getting back to top form.

"[Maresca 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."

Harry Kane had an early goal incorrectly ruled out but it soon became a tale of frustration for England against the side who famously humiliated them against the odds at Euro 2016.

Kyle Walker's red card teed up the prospect of another ignominious outcome, but Sterling won a spot kick in the final minute when Sverrir Ingason – who, like Walker received a second booking – handled his shot following a right-wing corner.

The Manchester City forward rolled his effort home before a further stoppage-time sting in the tail.

Joe Gomez clumsily fouled substitute Holmbert Fridjonsson in the box, although Birkir Bjarnason opted for a contrasting approach to Sterling's and blazed woefully high and wide.

The deal said to be valued at approximately US$120 million would make Sterling Puma’s highest-paid footballer. The player currently earns wages of more than £300,000 a week playing for the Citizens.

However, the deal that is being reported by media in the United Kingdom is contingent on whether Sterling decides to walk away from his current kit sponsors Nike, whose deal with him expires on June 30.

Media reports say rival brands including Under Armour, Adidas and New Balance have been pursuing Sterling's signature for more than two years.

If the deal with Puma does go through, Sterling could collaborate on the development of a sportswear range with American rapper Jay-Z, who is also Puma's creative director.

There are maiden call-ups for Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood and Kalvin Phillips, while Raheem Sterling also features.

Manchester United captain Maguire was on trial on the Greek island of Syros on Tuesday, following his alleged part in an incident involving police while on holiday in Mykonos.

The 27-year-old spent last Thursday and Friday night in custody and denies all charges.

Maguire has established himself as Southgate's premier centre-back and was a key pillar in the England side that progressed to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Sweden.

Sterling attended Usain Bolt's 34th birthday party last Friday, after which the eight-time Olympic champion announced he was self-isolating while awaiting the results of a coronavirus test, encouraging all others who had come into contact with him to go into quarantine.

Manchester City midfielder Foden enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2019-20, scoring eight goals and supplying nine assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

The last of those came in a tireless showing in the false nine role as City beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League – the latest demonstration of the 20-year-old's versatility.

Greenwood, 18, scored 17 goals in all competitions in a breakout season for Manchester United, matching the record for a Red Devils teenager in a single campaign held by George Best, Brian Kidd and Wayne Rooney.

Midfielder Phillips was a key part of the Leeds United squad that earned promotion from the Championship as league winners under Marcelo Bielsa.

After narrowly missing out on the Premier League Golden Boot to Jamie Vardy, Danny Ings is rewarded for his 22-goal campaign with a chance to earn his second cap, almost five years after his England debut.

England squad: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley); Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City); Phil Foden (Manchester City), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Harry Winks (Tottenham); Tammy Abraham (Chelsea), Mason Greenwood (Manchester United), Danny Ings (Southampton), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City).

Gareth Southgate's side laboured for long periods against the nation who famously humiliated the Three Lions at Euro 2016.

Kyle Walker's 70th-minute red card further complicated matters but Sverrir Ingason joined the Manchester City full-back in receiving his marching orders when he handled Sterling's shot in the final minute.

With Harry Kane having been replaced by debutant Mason Greenwood, the responsibility fell to Sterling, who stroked his spot-kick down the centre of the goal.

"As soon as I got the ball I said 'straight down the middle'," he told Sky Sports. "It's the 90th minute, I knew the keeper wouldn't stand straight in the middle, so I was quite confident."

England then almost instantly threw away their hard-earned gains, with Joe Gomez clumsily impeding substitute Holmbert Fridjonsson in the box.

Birkir Bjarnason stepped up but blazed woefully off target, providing a somewhat fitting conclusion to what was often a slightly disorientating contest.

"We knew it would be difficult and we had to challenge ourselves, find something deep within," Sterling said. "We said if there's any setbacks in the game – we didn't expect the red card – we kept playing our football.

"We kept trying to probe, we kept trying to create chances, we kept compact. We got the penalty in the end.

"We shouldn't have conceded that sloppy penalty, but we got lucky at the end."

Sterling's club team-mate Phil Foden made his international debut in the starting XI and he feels the playmaker's breakthrough, along with that of Greenwood, points towards a bright future.

"Phil, Mason – he's a player I've been excited by and I'm glad to be playing with," the 25-year-old added.

"Phil is a player who gets on the ball, one or two touches, and he's sharp. It's a bright future ahead. We just need to keep growing as a team and each camp we can see that's happening."

Southgate's men return to action against Denmark in Group A2 on Tuesday.

Kane netted almost immediately after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute against Lithuania at Wembley, wrapping up a 4-0 win with a thumping far-post header.

The then 21-year-old, who had already scored 29 goals for Tottenham that season, was given a standing ovation as he took to the field and it did not take him long to get the sell-out crowd back on their feet as, with one of his first touches, he found the back of the net.

Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Raheem Sterling scored England’s other goals, but the headlines belonged to Kane after a one-sided Euro 2016 qualifier.

Asked if he knew how long he had taken to get off the mark, Kane said: “Maybe a minute? Eighty seconds? Hey, it’s not too bad!

“It’s the start I dreamed of, it’s a little bit of a blur at the minute. It’s the best moment by far, to represent your country at senior level is the top. Hopefully I can keep doing it and it’s the first of many.”

It was a dream start which impressed then England captain Rooney – a man who knew a thing about coping with pressure and scoring goals and whose national-record of 53 goals Kane surpassed in March 2023.

“It’s fantastic, international football’s different and to score after 80 seconds is incredible for Harry,” he told ITV. “We’re all delighted and hopefully it’s the first of many.”

All those involved were quick to try and keep a lid on expectations, but given Kane now stands alone at the top of England’s goalscoring charts, they clearly knew what they were seeing.

“It is fantastic for Harry,” manager Roy Hodgson said. “We’re so delighted for him. It is a bit of a fairytale, but it’s nice when fairytales come true and it’s come true for Harry.”

“He’s crowned his England debut with a well-taken goal. Couldn’t be better really. It’s a very satisfying evening for us. I think it’s too early to put this pressure on Harry Kane. We should just be happy that he has done so well for Tottenham and made a name for himself to get into the England set-up.

“That’s not easy to do as we have a number of good forwards but let’s be happy with that and leave the future predictions to the future.”

But the club are reportedly set to let Alexandre Lacazette go, leaving them short in experienced attacking options.

Manager Mikel Arteta is known as a meticulous planner and wants to be ready for Lacazette's departure.

TOP STORY – GUNNERS SET SIGHTS ON DCL AND WATKINS

Arsenal have Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in their sights as they plan for Lacazette's exit, so say The Sun.

Lacazette is in the final year of his contract and the Gunners are unlikely to offer him a new deal, meaning he will depart either in January or at the end of the season as a free agent.

Arteta wants back-up to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and has the England forwards on the club's shortlist.

ROUND-UP

– Cash-strapped Barcelona have €16m to spend in the January transfer window according to Mundo Deportivo, with the publication also claiming Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling is among their top targets, potentially on loan given their financial challenges.

– Robert Lewandowski appears to have had a change of heart and will renew his deal with Bayern Munich, reports Fichajes. The star striker had been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga champions.

– MilanNews.it reports that Milan are in negotiations with head coach Stefano Pioli about extending his contract following a bright start to the season.

– Man City are keeping an eye on Barcelona's 19-year-old midfielder Nico Gonzalez, according to Fichajes.

The England winger has only made three Premier League starts this season.

Sterling, who starred during England's run to the Euro 2020 final, could now be on the move.

TOP STORY – BARCA RESOLUTE ON RAHEEM

Barcelona are determined to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City despite the Premier League club's refusal to let him leave, reports Manchester Evening News.

The Catalans want to bring Sterling to Camp Nou in January on a loan deal, with the forward open to a move after losing his regular starting spot at City.

Sterling still has 18 months remaining on his City contract and the English champions have no intention of accepting an offer for him.

ROUND-UP

- Manchester City are set to launch a new bid for Tottenham forward Harry Kane in January, claims ESPN. City pursued Kane over the off-season but the Spurs skipper ultimately remained in London after Tottenham declined their approaches.

- El Nacional reports Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has told the club to sell or release Gareth Bale. The Wales forward has only made three appearances this term and is contracted to Los Blancos only until the end of the season.

- Hakim Ziyech is unhappy at Chelsea and could be lured to Borussia Dortmund, claims The Mirror. The Morocco winger could move in January, having been unable to re-discover his best form at Chelsea after moving from Ajax in 2020.

- Norwich City are set to offer ex-Aston Villa boss Dean Smith their vacant manager role, according to Sky Sports. Smith was sacked as Villa coach this week.

- The Daily Record claims former Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst will hold talks with Rangers about taking over as manager after Steven Gerrard's departure for Villa.

Trossard, 28, is in his fourth season with the Seagulls, and after never scoring more than eight Premier League goals in each of his previous three campaigns, he is on pace to set a new personal-best with seven in his first 16 appearances.

His exploits this season have included a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool, as well as goals against Manchester City and Chelsea, but he recently butted heads with head coach Roberto De Zerbi and has been left out of Brighton's last two matchday squads.

The Belgium international with 24 senior caps has also had his agent announce his intention to leave the club this month, triggering plenty of interest from fellow Premier League sides.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA WANT TROSSARD TO RECREATE MAGIC WITH POTTER

According to The Mirror, Chelsea are understood to now be a main player along with Tottenham and also Arsenal as the three clubs compete for Trossard's services.

Trossard had only six months remaining on his contract on the south coast, before Brighton reportedly activated a 12-month extension to ensure he would not be able to leave the club on a free transfer.

It is believed Chelsea have the most spending power of the trio, even after their £88.5million purchase of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Trossard remains a favourite of his former boss Graham Potter.

His asking price has been set at £25m, while the report adds any potential deal for fellow Brighton talent 21-year-old Moises Caicedo – also of interest to Chelsea as well as Liverpool – would cost "more than double" that £25m figure.

ROUND-UP

– The Mirror is reporting West Ham would like to bring in 29-year-old Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire on loan.

– According to Sky Sports, Arsenalhave enquired about 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, but have been told he will not be available this month and will cost €100m (£88.5m) at the end of the season.

– Barcelonaare hoping to secure 32-year-old Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer at the end of the season, per the Telegraph.

– Fichajes is reporting Arsenalwill attempt to sign Chelsea's Raheem Sterlingafter failing to land the 28-year-old England international prior to his move to Stamford Bridge last year.

– According to The Independent, Real Madrid and Juventusare monitoring United 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho after he rejected the club's most recent contract extension.

Phillips, 26, has been with Leeds since 2010, but Football Insider has reported he has no interest in remaining with the club next season, even if they remain in the Premier League.

The tough midfielder followed in the footsteps of Wilfried Zaha and Jack Butland as the only English players in the 21st century to earn a senior cap while having never played in any country's top division, and confirmed his class at Euro 2020, starting every game and earning the title of England's 2020-21 Men's Player of the Year.

TOP STORY – PHILLIPS GETS READY FOR EXCITING NEW CHAPTER

Believed to be valued at £60million, this will be the first time in Phillips' career that he has a chance to shape his own future and pick a situation he feels can elevate him into the conversation of the world's top midfielders.

There will be a Paul Pogba-sized hole in the centre of United's line-up, Villa have signalled their intent with their move for Philippe Coutinho, and David Moyes reportedly has visions of owning the English centre-mid pairing of Phillips and Declan Rice – or replacing the latter if they cannot retain his services through upcoming the transfer window.

Phillips missed four months of this season – from December to March – with a serious hamstring injury, restricting him to just one goal and one assist from 21 club appearances across the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

ROUND-UP

– Newcastlehave made Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin a priority target in the upcoming transfer window, according to the Telegraph.

– Fichajes is reporting Bayern Munich have entered the race for Paul Pogba, while The Mirror claims Juventus are confident about the Frenchman returning to his former Italian club.

– According to Give Me Sport, Chelseaare looking to bring in Sevilla's Jules Kounde to replace outgoing defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

– Marca is reporting some of the world's biggest clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Arsenaland Milanare chasing 19-year-old Racing striker Charly Alcaraz.

– The Athletic claims that if Raheem Sterling is to leave Manchester City in the upcoming transfer window, it will not be to Premier League clubs Arsenal or Tottenham, instead favouring one of Europe's top teams in Champions League contention.

Maguire was a subject of court proceedings on the Greek island of Syros on Tuesday, following his alleged part in an altercation with police while on holiday in Mykonos.

The 27-year-old spent last Thursday and Friday night in custody and denies all charges. He had the chance to speak to Southgate before being selected for next month's Nations League encounters with Iceland and Denmark.

The England manager hailed his first-choice central defender as "an outstanding character" within the national team set-up, and said he had no reason to doubt Maguire's account of last week's incident.

"It's clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that, in the end, I can only take on the information I have," Southgate told a news conference.

"I've spoken with Harry, I have insight to the story which is very different to what's been reported.

"In these instances, you can only make decisions based on facts that you're aware of. Now, clearly, if facts or information change further down the line, I have to review that decision.

"I have a fantastic relationship with the boy. Harry has been an outstanding character for us.

"I have no reason to doubt what he is telling me. It's important he knows that he's got my support at this moment."

Sterling is expected to start England's opening Euro 2020 game against their 2018 World Cup conquerors Croatia at Wembley, even though his club form dwindled during the second half of the 2020-21 campaign.

So often an automatic pick during the Pep Guardiola era, Sterling fell out of favour for Manchester City as they continued their progress towards a third Premier League title in four seasons.

The 26-year-old has only scored once apiece for club and country since February, with rumours over a deterioration of relations with Guardiola and speculation surrounding whether or not he will sign a new contract at the Etihad Stadium providing unhelpful background noise.

However, even allowing for the impressive attacking options at his disposal – including Phil Foden, who has edged Sterling out of the left-wing berth at City – England boss Gareth Southgate still counts the former Liverpool player as a key man.

"I think he'll pull through, he's pulled through difficult situations before," Onuoha told Stats Perform.

"For the last two or three years, Raheem's been playing so well that that's been his position and nobody's been able to [get him out of the City team].

"But a slight drop off in performances, for whatever reason, grants somebody else an opportunity, and [Foden] took the opportunity and he's played exceptionally well.

"I think Raheem understands that because he's somebody who's been at the club long enough. He's happy at the club, it seems. I think he will sign a new long-term deal because it sounds like there's discussions about it.

"This is somebody who, when Fernandinho was not on the field, has worn the captain's armband. So he understands it, he understands the manager and he understands he wants to play and make a big difference."

Since featuring prominently in England's run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, where Sterling's tireless running along Harry Kane did not yield any returns in terms of getting on the scoresheet, he has underlined his importance to Southgate.

Sterling has 12 goals for the Three Lions across all matches post-Russia 2018, bettered only by skipper Harry Kane (15).

When penalties are taken out of the equation, Sterling actually comes out on top by 11 to 10, while his six assists are second to Kane's nine.

Nevertheless, this sample size spans almost three years, taking in a purple patch of career-best form in 2019 that the player is now straining to rediscover.

A surprise recall for City's 1-0 Champions League final defeat to Chelsea in Porto last month proved underwhelming, but Onuoha pointed towards Sterling's inclusion in the EFL Cup final win over Tottenham in April.

He turned in an all-action performance for Guardiola, making five attempts on goal and winning the free-kick that led to Aymeric Laporte heading the only goal.

"There were points in the season where people were questioning his performances and then I remember him playing in the League Cup final and I thought he was exceptional," Onuoha said.

"He didn't look like somebody who was lacking confidence, he looked like somebody who was desperate to play well enough to guarantee himself more football going forward.

"And I think when you are driven and competitive in the way that he is, it's a shame that you're not playing [for your club], but you kind of understand it.

"As well as that, it's not something that puts a weight on your shoulders; it's something that inspires you to get better.

"At City, there are people who thrive under that type of pressure - as a consequence, it makes them perform better. I think Raheem falls right into that category."

With Harry Kane off the field, Sterling won and converted a 91st-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 Nations League victory in Reykjavik but there was a further twist in the tale.

Joe Gomez fouled substitute Holmbert Fridjonsson under a long ball in the England box, giving Iceland a chance to level deeper into stoppage time, only for Birkir Bjarnason to blaze wildly off target.

Both sides were down to 10 men by that point, with Kyle Walker and Sverrir Ingason having seen red.

While Ingason's second booking came when he handled Sterling's goal-bound shot in the decisive moment of the match, Walker departed 20 minutes from time for a rash tackle on Arnor Ingvi Traustason when he was already on a yellow card.

"The sending off is a key moment because I felt we were in even more control in the second half," Southgate told Sky Sports when giving an honest assessment of England's ultimately successful bid for a measure of revenge against the nation who humiliatingly knocked them out of Euro 2016.

"It's very difficult to win games of football at any level if you're down to 10 men. That's a lesson we have to learn, it was an unnecessary red card.

"Then the response was great, we managed to stay in good possession of the ball, looked a threat.

"We get the penalty and I thought Raheem's desire through that period and drive was outstanding. It was great that he took that penalty under pressure.

"And then another lesson we have to learn because to invite the ball as we did and defend it the way that we did was really poor play. In the end we get away with it.

"It kind of sums the week up. We've had so many challenges, it's been so difficult to piece everything together."

Walker did not feature for England last season and, in a frank interview with Sky after the game, he conceded he had done his long-term international future no favours following an incident for which he took full responsibility.

"He said the same in the dressing room," Southgate said. "He realises, as an experienced player, those sort of challenges invite the opportunity for the referee to make a decision and it was the right decision.

"I've no complaints in terms of the officials on the penalties or the red cards.

"We've talked a lot over the years about discipline. In tournaments especially, if you go down to 10 men, then the number of times we've gone out of tournaments because of that has proved critical.

"It's not something we want to see again."

Walker will be suspended when England continue their Nations League Group A3 campaign in Denmark on Tuesday.

England have come under intense pressure for their underwhelming performance against Scotland, with expectations high about the team's prospects having reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.

Sterling said the doom and gloom needed to subside, pointing to previous champions at both European Championships and World Cups who had started slowly.

England have four points from their opening two games in Group D, with Sterling scoring the winner in their opening 1-0 victory over Croatia, ahead of Tuesday's group finale against the Czech Republic.

"[England manager] Gareth [Southgate] showed us some stats on teams that have gone on to do well in the tournament and where they were after the first two games," Sterling said.

"It just shows that it's still early days and we've got a lot to build on and I truly do believe we can do that."

He added: "This was another scenario where we've got four points, it's not the end of the world. He tried to make us look at all the positives.

"He's just showing us in previous tournaments that it's not every team that wins their first few games that goes on to win.

"Sometimes, teams that have drawn their first two games have gone on to win so we've just got to stay motivated, be happy and enjoy our football."

Portugal drew all three of their group games at Euro 2016, before storming home and beating hosts France in the final.

Denmark's 1992 European triumph as well as the Netherlands in 1988 were other examples of eventual champions starting slow.

"I do feel there's a bit of an overreaction … there's more of a panic on the outside than inside the building," Sterling said.

"I don't see anyone in the camp that feels any pressure or feels hard done by. The best thing we can do is focus on the training field.

"The more you listen to outside noise, the more it can affect you. The positive is that we can go out on Tuesday, get a good win and that second game is all forgotten about."

City this week made their case in an appeal against a two-year ban from UEFA competition, after being found to have breached Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

The outcome of that challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport is reportedly not expected until July, by which time City's reign as Premier League champions is likely to have been ended by Liverpool.

If City are forced to miss two Champions League campaigns, such a blow could tempt their top players to look elsewhere. Madrid have been frequently linked with forward Sterling, while De Bruyne has hinted he would consider his future if the two-season ban was upheld.

Former City and England manager Eriksson says Sterling and playmaker De Bruyne can choose their own destiny, but cautioned that they are already playing at the highest level in domestic club football.

“Well, they will play for Real Madrid if they want to do it, but I would be disappointed," Eriksson told Stats Perform News.

"I don't know - I really hope they stay in England. When you look at it so far, and for many years now, the Premier League is the best league in the world, no doubts about that - most popular, the best league to see.

"Other leagues are good, but how many people are looking at Spanish football if it's not Barcelona or Real Madrid, maybe Atletico Madrid? I don't think many.

"Bundesliga, it's a little bit the same if [Borussia] Dortmund's not playing, if Bayern [Munich] is not playing, are you sitting looking at it? In England it's different because any team can beat any other team. It's good football and it's always a fight, a good fight in England."

To lose Sterling, De Bruyne, or both, would be a huge setback for City on the pitch, but Eriksson knows Pep Guardiola is just as important to the four-time Premier League winners.

Manager Guardiola has a year left on his City contract and has not ruled out signing an extension.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss appears likely to at least see out his current deal, having this week brought in his mentor Juanma Lillo as a new assistant coach, but much could still happen to change that.

"Of course it's important," Eriksson said of the Spaniard's future. "He's considered one of the best, if not the best coach in the world. He has been so for a long time.

"To lose him before the contract finishes would be bad for Manchester City: bad for the fans, bad for the players, bad for the club. Not sending out a good message.

"I hope they will do everything to try to keep him at least until the contract finishes."

It gave England's women a breakthrough moment and led to acclaim from across football and far beyond, with Harry Kane, Boris Johnson and David Baddiel among those joining in the celebrations.

Baddiel famously joined fellow comic Frank Skinner and indie band the Lightning Seeds in creating the 1996 Three Lions hit song, with the 'It's coming home...' lyric weighing heavily for over a quarter of a century.

In a letter to the England team, The Queen said they would serve as inspirational figures for generations to come.

She wrote: "My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women's Football Championships.

"It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff.  The championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise.

"However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned. You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations.

"It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today."

England men's captain Harry Kane, whose side were beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley in last year's European Championship final, said the scenes this time around were "absolutely unreal".

The striker spared high praise for Ella Toone, whose precise lob gave England a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute, saying the Manchester United forward should "take a bow for that finish".

His England colleague Raheem Sterling hailed the group as "history-makers". Kane and Sterling will be among the England team targeting World Cup glory later this year.

Former England defender Gary Neville called it "a seismic moment for sport in this country" while outgoing Prime Minister Johnson said it was a "stunning victory".

Gary Lineker, who reached the World Cup semi-finals with England in 1990 and won the Golden Boot at the 1986 tournament, harked back to a famous comment he once made about German success.

Appropriating it for the Lionesses, he wrote: "Football is a simple game. 22 women chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, England actually win."

The Three Lions anthem might have to be retired now that England have triumphed on such a major stage.

Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds have had good mileage out of that summer smash hit, from back when England hosted the men's Euro 96 tournament.

Baddiel wrote on Sunday evening: "It's come home. A sentence I thought I'd never write. I've gone. Thank you Lionesses."