Sterling service repays the boss
THE real Raheem Sterling finally showed up for England in their stunning success in Spain.
The Manchester City flier, an outstanding contributor to his club’s recent success, has struggled to reproduce that sparkling form for his country.
Since joining City in 2015, Sterling (above) has averaged a goal every three games.
But before his Seville double he had managed just two goals in 45 games for the Three Lions.
In an England shirt he had often looked nervous in front of goal and indecisive in possession.
His disappointing scoring return from his World Cup performances in Russia were probably the low point of his international career.
He clearly has had difficulty in dealing with the flak that came his way from both the media and fans.
But in the Estadio Benito Villamarin he rediscovered his verve and belief plus the ability to replicate the deadly scoring touch he shows so often for City.
There was also evidence that he is developing a promising understanding with Harry Kane.
His new-found confidence is in no small measure due to Gareth Southgate slowly ridding his Three Lions of the fear factor that has dogged the national side for far too long.
Sterling, particularly, seemed to thrive on the positivity and ambition the manager has brought to the side.
It was a gamble for Southgate to defy the critics and stand by Sterling, who it shouldn’t be forgotten is still only 23 years old.
But, for my money, Sterling’s double sparked the most uplifting and exciting England victory since Michael Owen’s hat-trick in the 5-1 rout of Germany in 2001.
Sven-goran Eriksson couldn’t build on that famous Munich night.
Sadly, it proved to be a flash in the pan, albeit an enjoyable one, for the so-called Golden Generation.
The challenge now for Southgate is to keep the World Cup and Seville momentum going and ensure that his youthful squad continue to develop.
A revitalised Sterling is key to ensuring Southgate’s class of 2018 keeps on improving.
If that happens then England should be genuine contenders at Euro 2020 and the Qatar World Cup two years later.