Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling speaks about England’s poor run of form
Chelsea forward and England International Raheem Sterling has opened up on England national team’s struggles ahead of the FIFA World Cup in November.
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Football London) post the UEFA Nations League defeat against European Champions Italy, Sterling admits that the England squad is not at the levels required with the team winless in five matches ahead of a crucial World Cup just around the corner.
They were bland against the Italians and if they take that form into the World Cup, then things don’t look good. They face Germany next and Sterling would hope his team can bounce back to go into the event in Qatar with a big win under their belt.
“In football there’s ups and downs. it’s not a time to panic. The game tomorrow is another opportunity, in front of the fans, to take a step in the right direction. Yes, we know we are not at the level we can be right now, but I still think we have positives to look at.”
Raheem Sterling is an experienced England international, having featured 77 times for The Three Lions and is expected to shoulder a heavy responsibility for the team as one of the senior members of the squad.
While the performances have not been up to the standard that the players, as well as the supporters, expect ahead of a crucial tournament.
Sterling, however, believes there is no need to panic and the players are well behind the manager Gareth Southgate’s idea, who has led the national team to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final.
Sterling’s transfer from Manchester City can be called one of the shrewdest deals of the summer considering the lack of attacking depth in the squad and the experience he brings to the table.
Having already made 326 Premier League appearances scoring 112 goals and 78 assists, the England International has added a much-needed ruthlessness and precision in the attacking third, something which has been lacking the past few seasons.
The former City man already looks in place with the club and Graham Potter would be relying heavily on the forward to lead the team from the front during the course of the season.
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With a crucial set of fixtures coming ahead in October, let us be hopeful that the England international returns injury-free and continue his fine form and set an example for other players. After that, he is a shoo-in to make the 26-man England squad that boards the plane to Qatar.