RAHEEM STERLING was initially thrown out the England squad and on his way home before he was given a late reprieve by Gareth Southgate.
Manchester City star Sterling had been sent packing from St George’s Park by the Three Lions boss after his bust-up with team-mate Joe Gomez.
The Times report that the brilliant forward was already in a car returning to Manchester before getting a late call to link back up with the group.
They claim Southgate had a chance of heart after a meeting with senior players in the England squad.
It was suggested by the players that he could stay in the squad and be available for the trip to Kosovo this weekend – IF Gomez accepted a personal apology.
The manager was happy to accept the suggestion, and a message was sent to Sterling to tell him he was welcome back at St George’s Park.
But a source quoted in the article said:This was very much Gareths decision, this is not about player power.
Sterling is said to have grabbed Gomez round the neck after losing control as tempers spilled over from their clash on the pitch the previous day when City lost to Liverpool.
Gomez is sporting a scratch underneath his right eye this morning which is believed to have been a result of the incident.
More to follow
