Eberechi Eze gets England call-up but Raheem Sterling misses out again

In-form Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze earned his first senior call-up for England as coach Gareth Southgate named his squad for next month's Euro 2024 qualifiers.

The 24-year-old was the only uncapped player in the 25-man selection for the two games in Group C, away to Malta and at home to North Macedonia.

There was also a call-up for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk, whose one England cap came in 2018, and a recall for Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings.

But there was no place for the second squad in succession for Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling.

England are top of Group C after winning away in Italy and then at home to Ukraine.

Former Queens Park Rangers player Eze [pictured above] has been in startling form for Palace, scoring six goals in his last eight games and Southgate said he would have been in his previous squad but for an injury setback.

"We have liked him for a long time," said Southgate.

"He has finished the season really strongly and plays in a couple of positions across the attacking line and has a burst of speed to go past people and take people out of the game with his dribbling skills."

Southgate said Dunk and Mings had both earned their calls after strong showing for their clubs, both of whom have finished the season in style with Brighton qualifying for Europe and Villa likely to join them.

Explaining the absence of 82-cap forward Sterling, Southgate admitted it had been an easy decision.

"I spoke with him a week or so ago. A general catch-up. He is not happy with his condition physically, carrying a hamstring problem. He wasn't really in consideration because he doesn't think he is operating at the level he needs," the coach said.

Southgate also had some words of comfort for Brentford