Sterling was in car on way home when told to rejoin England squad after initially being axed altogether by Southgate
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RAHEEM STERLING was initially thrown out the England squad and on his way home before he was given a late reprieve by Gareth Southgate.
Manchester City star Sterling had been sent packing from St George's Park by the Three Lions boss after his bust-up with team-mate Joe Gomez.
The report that the brilliant forward was already in a car returning to Manchester before getting a late call to link back up with the group.
They claim Southgate had a change of heart after a meeting with senior players in the England squad.
It was suggested by the players that he could stay in the squad and be available for the trip to Kosovo this weekend - IF Gomez accepted a personal apology.
The manager was happy to accept the suggestion, and a message was sent to Sterling to tell him he was welcome back at St George's Park.
But a source quoted in the article said: “This was very much Gareth’s decision, this is not about player power.”
Other reports said Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson also acted as peacekeeper - despite not being with the England squad.
The report that Henderson called both players individually to urge them to get together for a handshake.
Southgate has now brought forward a planned media briefing by 24 hours to face questions on the incident, which has taken all focus off the match against Montenegro.
Sterling is said to have grabbed Gomez round the neck after losing control as tempers spilled over from their clash on the pitch the previous day when City lost to Liverpool.
Gomez is which is believed to have been a result of the incident.
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It is understood Gomez himself even asked Southgate not to send Sterling home in the wake of their clash, which took place in the canteen at St George's Park.
Sterling himself has been quick to issue a public apology for his actions and has immediately settled back in to the squad this morning.
But Southgate's decision to go public has angered some former players, with Rio Ferdinand accusing the manager of hanging Sterling out to dry.
