England coach Gareth Southgate insists he is still counting on Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling.

Southgate says Sterling remains an integral part of his plans despite his decision to drop the Manchester City winger for the game against Slovakia in favour of Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.

"His reaction to being taken off (against Malta) was brilliant," said Southgate.

"He understands we have belief in him. I told him he has a tough mentality. His response in training was good.

"For creative players there will be nights when it doesn't work and I have to make a decision whether to give them a bit longer or make a change. With Marcus in the form he was in the other night it was important to make the change."