Raheem Sterling was one of several England stars to shine at Euro 2020, but five years on they now face an uncertain future with transfers. It’s probably best for them.
Raheem Sterling has not played for Chelsea this season (Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea may have changed the man in the dugout, but so far their feelings about Raheem Sterling remain the same.
The winger has had a disastrous period since signing from Manchester City in 2022 and has been frozen out under manager Enzo Maresca. Liam Rosenior is currently on the hot seat and has already admitted that sooner or later he will have to talk to the British player.
Sterling’s form at Stamford Bridge does not justify a recall and there is no guarantee that he will even be in the starting XI given Rosenior’s quality, but clarity is needed on both sides.
According to Italy’s Sky newspaper, Napoli are considering a move for the winger, but the player prefers to remain in England, where his family is settled. Sterling previously excelled under the guidance of manager Josep Guardiola in Manchester and was considered one of the Premier League’s top performers.
He shone brightly for England, scoring the match-winner at Euro 2020. Now it’s not even close to the Three Lions photo, it’s not even close to the Chelsea photo. A fresh start can be beneficial for everyone involved, even if it means having to make difficult decisions.
Sterling was one of a number of players to feature in the match against Italy at Wembley that night, coming agonizingly close to ending his country’s wait for a major trophy. Some of their age profiles suggest that they are nearing or will be reaching the absolute peak of their careers. In fact, some people find it difficult to even stand on the pitch.
Kalvin Phillips just turned 30 years old. The midfielder was a mainstay alongside Declan Rice throughout the competition and became an iconic figure for Leeds. He was named England’s Player of the Year for 2021. His development was such that he had to decide whether to stay at Leeds or take on City.
Kalvin Phillips on top of the world at Euro 2020 (Image: Getty Images)
He has made the move, but it will always be a difficult task to play against Rodri at the base of Guardiola’s midfield. So the player who looked so comfortable in the Euro finals is now in danger of becoming a forgotten figure. Loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich did little to reignite his career.
Phillips also has more than two years left on his Manchester contract, but is another player whose Euro 2020 final feels like a lifetime ago.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho both came off the bench that night, and their contributions in the penalty shootout were well-documented. The pair show that loan moves can have very different outcomes, as Manchester United must decide what to do with them.
Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are both likely to leave Old Trafford (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Sancho had signed for the Red Devils 10 days before the Euro final. He joins after a stellar few years in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, where goals and assists were a weekly occurrence. He was run away by them in Manchester, sent back to the Bundesliga, then released to Chelsea, and now plays for Aston Villa.
England had never seen players like Dortmund saw and neither did Old Trafford. If the 25-year-old can get back to his best form, he could stay at the top for another 10 years, but that will certainly mean a move away from United after a £70m move fell through.
Rashford’s future lies away from Manchester as well. This was Ruben Amorim’s decision, and it appears the club stuck with it even after his departure. The danger for United is that the academy graduate goes on to do well elsewhere, perhaps at Barcelona. Given his current form in Spain, it is not impossible for him to be included in England’s World Cup squad this summer.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
