Mauricio Pochettino has challenged Raheem Sterling to string together a run of performances for Chelsea worthy of proving Gareth Southgate wrong over his continued England omission.
On Thursday, Sterling was once again left out of Southgate’s squad for the upcoming international break, but responded with a superb display as Chelsea came from behind to thump Burnley 4-1 on Saturday.
The Blues trailed to Wilson Odobert’s strike during a poor first-half showing at Turf Moor but Sterling turned the game on its head, playing a hand in all four goals, including scoring the third himself.
That gave Pochettino’s side their first back-to-back league wins since March and the Argentine hailed Sterling’s role in helping lift the mood ahead of a fortnight away from club football.
“He did well, he was involved in all the goals and I’m so happy for him and for the team,” Pochettino said. “The team was good, the performance was fantastic, they deserve all the credit.
“I’m so happy for them to go into the international break with a different feeling to the last months.”
Sterling has not played for England since the World Cup in Qatar and, after this month’s games against Australia and Italy, the Three Lions will play just four more matches before Southgate names his squad for next summer’s European Championship.
While his exile continues to be a headline, though, the winger has not exactly been hammering on Southgate’s door with his club displays. Competitors like Bukayo Saka and the recalled Jarrod Bowen have begun the season in fine scoring form, but Sterling had gone into the Burnley clash without a goal or assist since a brace against Luton in August.
“He’s a very mature player with experience,” Pochettino added. “He knows he needs to perform to show the manager of the national team that he was wrong with his decision.
“It’s about showing you deserve it and with performances and goals is the only way to show that.”
