Gareth Southgate and England have just dealt with a modern problem in a pleasingly modern way. Over the course of 999 previous internationals it stretches credulity to imagine nothing like the contretemps between Raheem Sterling and Joe Gomez has been seen before, but the vast majority of England get-togethers took place in eras when it was perfectly possible and reasonable to hush things up and keep any small-scale disturbances in house.
These days that is not so easy, and before social media could have a field day with speculation and jigsaw identification England fronted up and laid the matter to rest. Southgate’s statement that emotions from the Liverpool v Manchester City game on Sunday were still too raw was rational and understandable, and subsequently Sterling issued an apology and accepted his share of the blame.
Related: England drop Raheem Sterling for Euro qualifier over clash with Joe Gomez
Continue reading...