Raheem Sterling has pulled out of England’s squad to play Malta and Slovenia.
The Manchester City winger has come down with a severe case of international football-itis a “slight calf injury”, and has been replaced in Gareth Southgate’s squad by Andros Townsend.
England squad update – @FA confirm Andros Townsend #CPFC called up following the withdrawal of Raheem Sterling through injury. #MCFC
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) October 3, 2016
Raheem Sterling has a slight calf injury but nowt serious. Should be okay for next #MCFC game. Great chance for Townsend now.
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) October 3, 2016
The decision of England’s temporary manager to include Glen Johnson left many confused, as the Stoke City full-back hasn’t played for his country since 2014.
Townsend’s call-up hasn’t caused the same controversy, as England could beat Malta with Andy Townsend, and the Crystal Palace winger has started the season in impressive form.
Sterling’s withdrawal hasn’t exactly been mourned by the masses, with many using his departure to take the piss out of his performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The City winger struggled, like the rest of his team, against their opponent’s high-pressing style. He also failed to get the better of Danny Rose and Kyle Walker, the Spurs full-backs and his England teammates, in the 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane.
City are yet to confirm the nature of Sterling’s injury, or whether he is in-fact still in Danny Rose’s pocket. We’ll keep you posted.
It's a shame Sterling pulled out the England squad. What with him being in Danny Rose's pocket they could of split the travel costs. #COYS
— Jon (@jonhotspur88) October 3, 2016
did Sterling get injured when Danny Rose emptied him out of his pocket? 😂
— David McGhee (@david_mcghee) October 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/officialdaddymo/status/782595737288839168
Has Sterling withdrawn from the squad because he can't find his way out of Kyle Walker's pocket?
— Lee Barratt (@LeeGallows) October 3, 2016
Andros Townsend in the England squad to replace injured Sterling…he's probably still trapped @kylewalker2 and Danny Rose's pockets!
— Matt G (@MattGav1985) October 3, 2016
So Sterling has withdrawn from the England squad through injury! We all know it's really because he's scared of Walker & Rose 😂 #owned #COYS
— Clare 🏴💙 (@chilly_spurs) October 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/DlERBETES/status/782617708852576256
#spursvcity Police have taken #Spurs #DannyRose in for questioning after finding £50m #Sterling in his pocket without explanation.
— Mr Gazz (@MrGazz_ICT) October 2, 2016
Wonder what time Walker will let Sterling out of his pocket?
— Ian Gorringe (@_iggypop1) October 2, 2016
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