Sterling's Chance to Return to the England National Team is Still Dark Even though He Has Made His Debut at Feyenoord

Raheem Sterling does not want to turn the opportunity back to the England National Team (Instagram/@feyenoord).

JAKARTA - Raheem Sterling said he was happy with his early career at Feyenoord after making his first competitive appearance since May 2025 on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

However, he said he had not spoken to England national team manager Thomas Tuchel about the possibility of returning to the Three Lions.

"I haven't spoken to him. Just play football, that's the most important thing," Sterling told ESPN when asked if he had contacted Thomas Tuchel or not.

The 31-year-old replaced Gijs Smal after an hour of the game in Feyenoord's 2-1 win over Telstar in the Eredivisie. He was warmly welcomed by the home fans at De Kuip.

Sterling moved to Rotterdam on loan until the end of the season from Chelsea - and trained in Belgium earlier this week with his new team as he has yet to receive a work permit for the Netherlands.

"This is a good start. The trip to Belgium, in my opinion, was very good for integrating with the players, and getting to know my teammates and knowing their characters. So, it was really fun," said Sterling.

Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie said on Friday, February 20, 2026, although he was impressed by Sterling's extraordinary quality, the striker was not ready to play for 90 minutes.

"It's been a while not playing, but just trying to stay fit. Been with the team for a while. So, it's all just about building step by step and trying to get match fitness."

"It's nice to start the first game with a win. I think that's the most important thing. (With) the target we're going for, so a good debut," said Sterling.

The winger's last appearance was previously for Arsenal, on loan from Chelsea, in a 2-1 win against Southampton on May 25, 2025.

Meanwhile, he has not played for the England national team since the 2022 World Cup.