Today’s back pages: Raheem Sterling has the hump, but he’ll start in Kosovo

Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling has “the hump” with him, Metro reports, but the England manager has confirmed that the forward will start Sunday’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Kosovo.

Sterling will miss tonight’s clash against Montenegro after the incident with Joe Gomez earlier this week.

However, despite sitting out the Wembley fixture, Southgate says the Manchester City star has been “exemplary” in training.

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The Three Lions boss 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.”

The Sun reports that “Raheem’s back for round two” and when asked about Sterling starting on Sunday, Southgate added: “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.”

Tonight’s Euro 2020 group A qualifier between England and Montenegro starts at 7.45pm and is live on ITV.

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–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––