England ace Raheem Sterling axed after bust-up with Liverpool rival
Raheem Sterling has been axed from England's squad for the Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro after a training ground bust-up with Joe Gomez.
Gareth Southgate's squad convened at St George's Park after the latest round of Premier League fixtures, which culminated in Sunday's highly-anticipated clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.
‘RUINING FOOTBAL’: VAR drama wreaks havoc in Liverpool victory
The Reds emerged as 3-1 victors against City at Anfield, where Sterling was involved in a clash with substitute Joe Gomez towards the end of the match.
The PA news agency understands the pair were again involved in exchange after meeting up for England duty on Monday.
The Daily Mail reported that Sterling attempted to grab Gomez by the neck in the players' canteen.
"We have taken the decision to not consider Raheem for the match against Montenegro on Thursday," Southgate said.
"One of the great challenges and strengths for us is that we've been able to separate club rivalries from the national team.
"Unfortunately the emotions of yesterday's game were still raw.
"My feeling is that the right thing for the team is the action we have taken.
"Now that the decision has been made with the agreement of the entire squad, it's important that we support the players and focus on Thursday night."
England looking at qualification
It is a remarkable situation and is sure to dominate the build-up to Thursday's game, which not only offers the chance to seal qualification from Group A but is England's 1,000th international fixture.
"The FA can confirm Raheem Sterling will not be considered for Thursday's EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a disturbance in a private team area at St. George's Park today. He will remain with the squad," the FA said in a statement.
Sterling has been in exceptional form for England, scoring eight goals and providing five assists during qualification for the European Championship.
The 24-year-old could play in England's qualifier against Kosovo on Sunday.
Gomez, who was introduced in the 87th minute for Liverpool on Sunday, won the last of his England seven senior caps in the Nations League third-place play-off against Switzerland in June.