Sterling Told to Retire from England Team After Southgate's 'Disrespect' With Three Lions Snub

• Rio Ferdinand has called on two England stars to retire from the national team over alleged disrespect
• Gareth Southgate’s latest squad had some typical names while others like Raheem Sterling missed out
• England's Three Lions will face off with Ukraine and Scotland during the upcoming international break

Rio Ferdinand has called on both Raheem Sterling and James Ward-Prowse to retire from national team duty after apparent 'disrespect' from England boss, Gareth Southgate.

Ward-Prowse joined West Ham United from Southampton in the summer and has made a superb start as a Hammer since his £30 million move.

Despite his performances in the Premier League, it has not been enough for the set piece specialist to earn a place in the England squad as the Three Lions prepare to face Ukraine and Scotland.

Another player whose omission shocked many was Sterling who, like Ward-Prowse, also made a decent start to the 2023/24 campaign with Chelsea.

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Southgate opted for some typical names for his squad, while also including the likes of Kalvin Phillips despite the midfielder having played just six minutes of football in the Premier League this season.

Ferdinand tells Ward-Prowse, Sterling to retire

Ferdinand, while speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, was very critical of Southgate’s selection and singled out Sterling as one player who should be livid with missing out on the squad.

"If I was Sterling, I’d be very disappointed, bearing in mind what he’s done for this England team when he’s been in or around it,” he said, as cited by The Mirror.

The Manchester United legend questioned the inclusion of Phillips and the embattled Harry Maguire and why performing players were left out.

"Sterling’s probably been the main bright spark at Chelsea. It’s just nuts. I’d retire. If I’m someone like Ward-Prowse, I’d just retire."

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Insult was added to Sterling’s injury when the English FA confirmed Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold had to pull out of the squad through injury, yet Southgate decided against calling on replacements.

Arsenal fans applaud United's Maguire

Sports Brief also reported on how Arsenal fans ironically applauded Maguire after he was brought on during a Premier League clash on September 3.

Erik ten Hag's Man United were hard done by with a couple of refereeing decisions going Arsenal's way, with injuries also playing a part in the fierce clash.