Ignore Vinny, we know Raheem has been England star
THE Raheem Sterling debate has divided opinion like no other in this World Cup.
On one side, appreciating exactly what the City man has brought to the England charge to the semi-finals, are Roberto Carlos, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and a myriad of other seasoned football watchers.
On the other side, Vinny Jones and a howling mob of people who don’t normally watch the game.
But the people who truly matter when it comes to an opinion of what he brings to the party in Russia are manager Gareth Southgate and his team-mates – and they have all waded in to the row and landed some heavyweight blows.
Southgate has already expressed his view on Sterling by picking him to start in each of the four meaningful games in the tournament.
And he has now gone further by making it plain that not only does he appreciate Sterling’s qualities, he sees them as vital to the way England have played in this tournament.
“Raheem has been fundamental to the way we have played - his movement, the positions he takes up, his pressing of the ball, his work-rate for the team, the winning of free-kicks, the winning of corners, his speed to stretch teams,” Southgate said.
“He was a constant threat to Sweden. Of course he hasn’t scored the goals we would have liked him to score, but for myself and the players he has been a crucial part of the way we have been playing.”
Team-mate Eric Dier also joined the debate with words of support for the 23-year-old, saying: “Raheem’s attitude is fantastic, his work ethic is fantastic as well. He offers so much to the team.
“He has quality in possession, links the play, makes runs in behind and off the ball his work-rate is incredible.
“It’s so clear to see if you were to watch back all our games up to now the importance he has to the team. I think he’s had a fantastic tournament so far and, hopefully, that can continue in the next week.”
Vinny Jones, the former Wimbledon midfielder, declared that Sterling would be playing for Exeter if it wasn’t for his pace.
Harsh words indeed, from someone who would never have got a game for anyone without his certain style of play.
Sterling was widely criticised on social media by fans, but that brought a big response from those who appreciate his role in the team.
They included Brazil’s legendary World Cup winner Roberto Carlos, who summed it up by saying: “He’s not a natural striker, but his movement pulls opponents out of position and creates space for others.”