England vs Wales: Twitter was furious with Raheem Sterling after early miss

The Manchester City winger should have opened the scoring early on in Lens

Sterling missed from close range after a cross by Lallana (Getty)

If Raheem Sterling’s place in England’s starting line-up was up for debate before Thursday’s match against Wales, supporters seemed to have reached a consensus by half-time.

The Manchester City winger put in an indifferent display against Russia on Saturday, featuring plenty of poor touches and miscues, which had many demanding that he be dropped.

Sterling, however, retained his place for the game in Lens and what’s more, he should have opened the scoring.

When Adam Lallana latched onto a brilliant through ball from the back of midfield, he tore towards the byline, waiting to cross for an expectant Sterling.

The 21-year-old was keeping pace with his former Liverpool team-mate all the way but, when the ball arrived at his feet while merely yards out of Wayne Hennessey’s goal, he fired wide and over.

It was not the worst miss imaginable, given the speed at which he was travelling, but it was a regrettable one and England’s best opportunity of the opening period.

Many of the millions of England supporters watching on at home were left thinking one thing – Jamie Vardy, Leicester City’s free-scoring striker who has so far had to make do with a place on the bench, would have scored.

Here’s the reaction from social media…

It proved to be a costly mistake.

Shortly before the whistle blew on the first half, Gareth Bale struck from range and Joe Hart could only parry it into his own net.