Rio Ferdinand urges Gareth Southgate to recall Raheem Sterling over two England stars

Rio Ferdinand has urged Gareth Southgate to recall Raheem Sterling to the England squad - and suggested that he should be in ahead of two current stars.

Sterling was initially left out of Southgate's latest Three Lions squad for the upcoming fixtures against Malta and North Macedonia, with the England boss stating that competition for places was the reason behind his decision.

The 28-year-old then starred in Chelsea's 4-4 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, scoring and providing a constant attacking threat for the Blues.

It was more of a surprise, therefore, when he was snubbed again on Monday, with England forced to draft three players into the squad following injuries to Lewis Dunk, James Maddison and Rico Lewis.

Southgate instead called up Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis and Ezri Konsa to the squad - with no space for Sterling.

With Euro 2024 on the horizon next summer, there now appear to be major doubts that the Chelsea star will play a part in that competition.

And speaking on his Vibe with FIVE podcast, Ferdinand has admitted he cannot believe that the winger is still not in international condition, having missed out on the last five squads.

The Manchester United legend even went as far as to suggest that the 28-year-old should be in the squad ahead of both Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish on current form.

He 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.

"He was England's best player at the Euros. The Euros were a couple of years ago, yeah, but Kalvin Phillips is playing off the back of a good Euros. Harry Maguire is playing off the back of a good Euros.

"If they're getting in because of that, then free Sterling. Free him up!"