Raheem Sterling: Roy Hodgson backs Manchester City forward to play key role for England at Euro 2020
The former England manager believes Sterling will start for his country this summer, regardless of his form for Manchester City
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has backed Raheem Sterling to play a key role for England at Euro 2020 despite firing another blank for Manchester City at the weekend.
The attacker saw his goal drought at club level extend to 11 games following Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park.
Sterling’s indifferent form resulted in him being left on the bench for City’s win away to Paris St Germain in midweek and he failed to make the most of his starting berth in London.
Hodgson handed the 26-year-old an international debut whilst manager of the Three Lions in 2012 and is positive the winger remain a key figure for England manager Gareth Southgate at the Euro’s next month.
“I am a great admirer of Raheem, I think he is a fine player,” Hodgson said. “It is a wonderful position to be in if you’re Pep Guardiola that you believe you have other players you prefer to use to Raheem.
“But I am pretty certain in terms of England, he will still be an important player and an important cog in the wheel because he has so much ability.
“The skillset he has and ability he has to beat people, get into goal-scoring positions and score and set up chances, they are hard skillsets to find.”
Sterling started City’s recent Carabao Cup triumph at Wembley but squandered three big opportunities against Palace, blazing over early on before he sliced wide under pressure in the area and later in the game he hit the inside of the post from a tight angle.
The final effort summed up the luck of the former Liverpool forward, who has netted twice for England this season and found the net on 13 occasions for treble-chasing City.
While he finished with more than double that tally in each of the last two campaigns, Guardiola has warned Sterling to be ready for his next chance.
“He deserved to play in Paris but it’s unfair if I leave Phil [Foden or Riyad [Mahrez] out now. It’s difficult for me. I’m justifying my decisions and I don’t want to,” the City manager admitted.
“Raheem played exceptional in the last two games and he has to be ready because we have a final and maybe he is going to play many minutes from the beginning.
“Maybe if we get to the final of the Champions League... everyone can play. That is the reason why over many years the commitment is there to be in a position to be where we were winning all these titles.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments