Raheem Sterling to start for England vs Kosovo following one-game ban

Gareth Southgate will recall Raheem Sterling for England's game in Kosovo after dropping him for the European Qualifier against Montenegro.

Only a point is needed against Group A minnows Montenegro to secure qualification for the finals and Thursday's encounter at Wembley will also see England celebrate becoming the first nation to play 1,000 international matches.

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Much of the talk, however, has focused on a fracas rather than football in the build-up following Sterling's exchange with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez less than 24 hours after the pair clashed towards the end of Manchester City's 3-1 loss at Anfield.

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The FA announced late on Monday night that the 24-year-old would not be considered to face Montenegro as a result, with the forward making private and public apologies after emotions got the better of him.

While Southgate feels it may have caused a temporary rift in his relationship with Sterling, he insists he is ready to restore one of his key men in the final qualifier in Prishtina on Sunday.

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"Yes," Southgate replied when asked if he would be ready to turn to Sterling in Kosovo. "Without knowing what might happen in tomorrow's game and everything else, but I can see it."

Asked if he had any hesitation in making such a decision, he added: "None, none whatsoever.

"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. So, there might be observation about where he might be in terms of me and giving you an honest answer of what I think he's likely to be thinking.

"But in terms of how he's trained and how he's been around the guys and with us, I'm happy."

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