RAHEEM STERLING still has the hump with Gareth Southgate — but WILL start against Kosovo in England’s final Euro qualifier on Sunday.
The Three Lions can qualify for next year’s tournament with a point against Montenegro at Wembley tonight — in what will be the country’s 1,000th international.
Sterling, 24, will NOT be selected after his bust-up with Joe Gomez at St George’s Park on Monday.
Asked if the Manchester City star is still annoyed, Southgate said: “I wouldn’t imagine that he’s hugely enthusiastic about me.
“You don’t have to be an expert in human behaviour to think it was possible. But his reaction has been brilliant.
“He spoke to the team really well and he’s trained really well and I can’t fault his reaction at all.
“I know, as a player, my relationship with my managers and how I felt about them changed day to day.
“There were many occasions when I had the hump with them, usually when I wasn’t in the team.
“So, I understand that. I hope that time takes it course on those things.
“I hope that all of my players know that I care about them, want to be fair with them, to do what’s right for all of them, and they can lean on me when they need me.
“I also accept that, at times, they’re not going to be bouncing with joy when they see my face walking through the meal room.
“That is part and parcel of being a manager.”
Southgate axed Sterling from tonight’s game after a brawl broke out with Liverpool’s Gomez on Monday as they linked up at the Three Lions’ training HQ.
Gomez was left with scratches on his cheek and neck after Sterling tried to get him into a headlock as they grappled in front of stunned team-mates.
Asked whether Sterling will return to start against Kosovo, Southgate said: “Yes. Without knowing what might happen in this game and everything else.
“What we’ve seen is somebody playing and training at the top level with good motivation and good technical ability.
“I’d have no hesitation in playing him. We drew a line under everything. We move forward now.”
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Sterling and suspended Jordan Henderson will be sat together, either with the subs or in the stands.
Meanwhile, Spurs and England left-back Danny Rose was stunned by the hatred shown towards ex-Liverpool star Sterling at Anfield on Sunday.
He said: “It is probably the first time I have sat back and taken note of how much the Liverpool fans have a disliking towards him.”