Legends bemused by Sterling critics
THERE has been widespread upset that the public player ratings on the BBC website have judged Raheem Sterling to be England’s worst performer in all four games he has started at the World Cup
Former England grandees Gary Neville, Gary Lineker and David Beckham have all voiced their bewilderment at the public being so negative about Sterling, who has created plenty of openings while missing chances himself.
Manager Gareth Southgate said: ‘If you are talking about attacking patterns, Raheem has been instrumental in them. We are really pleased with his contribution. He’s appreciated by the team.’
The BBC have no intention of interfering in the debate, saying they are merely the facilitator for the public to have their say. So far 10 million people have done so throughout the World Cup, with 3.5m ratings made on England games.
However, there has been an incidence of a TV company changing their markings to placate England players and their families. That was at the 2002 European Under 21 tournament televised by Channel 5, who reacted to disquiet in the England camp by increasing the ratings by a point or two so as not to demoralise a young group that included Jermain Defoe, Scott Parker, Gareth Barry and Jermaine Jenas.
ENGLAND’S
likely bid to host the 2030 World Cup, which is gathering momentum, could be affected perversely if Gareth Southgate’s side win this tournament. The fear is that becoming world champions could re-activate the old complaint about English ‘arrogance’, though no one here will care a jot about that if England lift the big prize on Sunday. FIFA have admitted for the first time that Diego Maradona (right), who has behaved in a disgraceful manner throughout his time in Russia, gets paid for his role as lead ambassador of the football legends with whom president Gianni Infantino likes to surround himself. FIFA have still declined to say how much, although it has been estimated at £10,000 a day.
GARETH
SOUTHGATE would be a landslide winner as BBC Sports Personality of the Year except that a coach has never been awarded the main prize since its inception and coaches have their own award on the night. A BBC spokeswoman said there are no plans to change the categories.