Liverpool legend John Barnes has backed England manager Gareth Southgate's decision to snub Chelsea star Raheem Sterling.
Barnes says it is not an issue that Sterling was yet again left out of the England squad by Southgate.
Southgate recently didn't include Sterling in his side's squad to face Malta and North Macedonia on Friday and Monday, respectively.
The decision to snub the former Manchester City star has been criticised, and while Barnes admits he would have picked the winger, he believes Southgate's call was justified.
“Raheem has played well in the last two or three games for Chelsea and Chelsea have not been doing too well up until recently,” Barnes told Bonuscodebets.
“People are looking at the last two or three matches and saying he should be called up, but if you look at the amount of talent available to Gareth Southgate it is a tough situation to be in.
“I will always have Raheem in the England squad, but I don't think it is an issue of Raheem not being in the squad.
“Raheem may warrant being in the squad based on recent form but the squad was picked before the City game so he will be back in the squad at some point.”
He added, “Gareth Southgate picks the team, and we trust Gareth Southgate.
“Fans will always have an opinion on who should and should not be in the squad. I respect and trust what Gareth says and does. He knows how he wants his team to play.”
