Sterling rise to become Southgate’s main man

ON THIS DAY: Raheem Sterling made his debut on November 14, 2012, in the 4-2 defeat to Sweden in Stockholm remembered for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s famous and spectacular overhead kick

Incredibly, it is 10 years since Raheem Sterling made his England debut.

It is a stat to make everyone feel old because Sterling is still only 27 and yet will go to the World Cup as one of England’s elder statesmen. No-one should doubt his impact on the England team in the past decade. Sterling made his debut on November 14, 2012, in the 4-2 defeat to Sweden in Stockholm remembered for Zlatan Ibrahimovic ’s famous and spectacular overhead kick. England star Sterling has had remarkable ups and downs during his 79 caps going from teenage prodigy, the self-proclaimed “hated one” to being a key player in the amazing run to the 2018 World Cup semi final.

Sterling was England’s best player at last year’s Euros and, no matter what is happening at club level, he is a player who steps up for his country. He has become a vital player for the Three Lions who easily has 100 caps within his grasp, which would put him into an elite group of England players destined to become all time greats.

When Gareth Southgate names his starting XI to face Iran next week, Sterling’s name will still be at the forefront of his mind. He is vital for England as a trusted performer and, after Jordan Henderson, the second most senior player in this squad.

Sterling has played with members of the Golden Generation like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry. And then become a leader himself on and off the pitch as a player that younger stars look up to.

His stance on racism even got him on Newsnight to put forward the players’ point of view and why not enough was being done. He has become a spokesman for a generation.

It is obvious that Sterling has yet to produce his best form for Chelsea since his summer move from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. He missed Chelsea’s defeat at Newcastle on Saturday through illness but will be fit to fly to Qatar on Monday. However, Sterling had not been starting regularly for Manchester City in the build-up to the Euros and then had the tournament of his life which just underlines his single-minded attitude when it comes to England. – DailyMirror.