Joe Gomez Reportedly Prevented Raheem Sterling Being Sent Home for England

On Monday, there was something of a bust-up in England training as Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, still incensed over Sunday’s league loss to Liverpool, went looking for a fight with Joe Gomez.

Gomez reportedly did well not to rise to the challenge of Sterling, who left a scratch below the Liverpool defender’s eye—with Sterling subsequently ruled out of England’s next match for his petulant attack.

On Tuesday, though, both were back in training with the England, and reports are that he’s only there because Gomez appealed to manager Gareth Southgate not to banish him from the team entirely.

Multiple English outlets are suggesting that initially Southgate intended to send Sterling home from the England squad entirely. In the end, though, thanks to Gomez’ intervention, Sterling will just miss one game.

In the meantime, both players will continue to train with the national team, and the early suggestion is that Gomez is likely to be in line to play on Thursday when England host Montenegro at Wembley.

Sterling will then be available for selection again with the Three Lions set to travel to Kosovo for a match on Sunday. Both matches are for Euro 2020 qualification, and England are currently top of Group A.