For some reason, it has been a common theme among the English fan base to constantly question and almost passionately oppose Raheem Sterling’s lead role in Gareth Southgate’s England team.
Whether it’s because of his disappointing domestic form, or the fact that there are “better” options on the bench, England fans have always been quick to lament Manchester City’s unwavering inclusion in the starting XI.
- Advertisement -
Admittedly, it has not always been a smooth international career for Sterling. He made his senior side debut just 17 years old by Roy Hodgson and was then part of the disastrous squads at the 2014 World Cup and European Championships 2016 – managed an assist over these two tournaments.
Although the Three Lions reached the semifinals in Russia three years ago, Sterling recorded just one more assist. It was symptomatic of his England career up to that time – he was always present and playing but he had never recreated the blowing domestic form he showed for City over the years and managed just two goals and 12 assists in his first 44 international appearances.
Raheem Sterling at the 2014 World Cup / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
But ever since the end of the memorable World Cup for England, Sterling has done nothing but shine for his country. In the three years leading up to Euro 2020, the winger played 17 matches for his nation and recorded 12 goals with ten assists; he has been on fire since Russia.
But despite this astonishing form on the international stage, he still had his doubts on his way to this summer’s European Championships; the main reason is a relatively tough domestic season for Man City during the 2020/21 campaign.
In the three previous seasons, Sterling had collected as many as 86 direct goal-scoring goals in the Premier League for Cityzens – that is on average just under 29 per season.
In the Premier League campaign 2020/21, that number dropped to 18 (ten goals and eight assists), which on average gives a goal contribution every 140 minutes. Let’s be honest, those are still very good numbers, especially for a player who had been dropped as unformed and seen under abuse for most of the season.
He deserved his starting place at Euro 2020 as much as anyone else – there is no doubt about that.
Raheem Sterling celebrates his goal against the Czech Republic / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Despite many corners of the English fan base struggling against Sterling, Southgate has always stuck with her husband and has once again given him a major opportunity at Euro 2020 – and, goodness, he has taken it.
The wing has been the hero of the three lions’ summer so far. He has scored in three of the country’s four matches in the tournament and noted three of England’s four strikes so far, and has made a fantastic all-round performance in England’s 16 victory over Germany.
He has been decisive, heroic and completely sensational for his nation at this summer’s European Championships, and it can go on for a long time when England meets Ukraine in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Regardless of what he is said to have done wrong, the 26-year-old has shown that his doubters are wrong and it is time we start to appreciate how happy England is to have him in start XI, and not continue to question why he is there.
