Raheem Sterling will not be considered for England's Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro after emotions ran high in the wake of Manchester City's loss to Liverpool.
Gareth Southgate's squad convened at St George's Park on Monday following the latest round of Premier League fixtures, which culminated in Sunday's highly-anticipated clash of the table toppers.
Liverpool emerged as 3-1 victors against City at Anfield, where Sterling was involved in a clash with Joe Gomez towards the end of the match.
The PA news agency understands the pair were again involved in an exchange after meeting up for England duty on Monday, leading the Football Association to release a statement later that day.
A statement read: "The FA can confirm Raheem Sterling will not be considered for Thursday's EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a disturbance in a private team area at St. George's Park today. He will remain with the squad."
It is a remarkable situation and is sure to dominate the build-up to Thursday's Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro, which not only offers the chance to seal progress but is England's 1,000th international fixture.
England boss Southgate said: "We have taken the decision to not consider Raheem for the match against Montenegro on Thursday.
"One of the great challenges and strengths for us is that we've been able to separate club rivalries from the national team.
"Unfortunately the emotions of yesterday's game were still raw. My feeling is that the right thing for the team is the action we have taken.
"Now that the decision has been made with the agreement of the entire squad, it's important that we support the players and focus on Thursday night."
Sterling has been in exceptional form for England, scoring eight goals and providing five assists during Euro 2020 qualification.
The Manchester City forward wrote on his Instagram account: "Everyone knows that I am not that way inclined and more to the point. Both Joe and I have had words and figured things out and moved on.
"We are in a sport where emotions run high and I am man enough to admit when emotions got the better of me.
Sterling added that he and Gomez "are good we both understand it was a 5-10 second thing it's done we move forward and not make this bigger than it is.
"Let's focus on our game on Thursday," he signed off, alongside three love heart emojis.
Liverpool's Gomez, who was introduced as an 87th-minute substitute in Sunday's clash, won the last of his seven England senior caps in the Nations League third-place play-off against Switzerland in June.
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