Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Sterling deserves top award – Stones
Forward backed to become player of the tournament with performance against Italy
JOHN Stones has backed his Manchester City and England team-mate Raheem Sterling to be named player of the tournament at Euro 2020.
Sterling, pictured right, has been instrumental for Gareth Southgate’s side as the Three Lions roared into their first major final in 55 years.
The 26-year-old grew up a stone’s throw from Wembley Stadium and scored the winner in two Group D fixtures under the arch. He broke the deadlock in the last-16 win against
Germany and laid on Harry Kane’s opener in the victory over Ukraine.
Sterling has been a constant thorn in the side of opposing defenders and drew the controversial penalty which saw off Denmark in the semifinal – Kane seeing his effort saved before turning home the rebound.
Now, ahead of tomorrow’s final against Italy, Stones believes Sterling has been good enough to earn the accolade as Euro 2020’s best player.
“I’ve said it all along, but I’m a big fan of Raheem’s,” he said.
“I believe and I’d love to see him get player of the tournament. What he’s done for us and the unselfish part of his game goes unspoken about, but as players we see it. He’s been a great threat going forward with how direct he’s been, and it has been great playing with him.
“I’m sure he will be giving everything on Sunday, being that direct, and hopefully he gets another goal and see where it takes us.”
The clash with Italy is England’s first major tournament final for 55 years, with Stones not playing down the size of the occasion.
“It’s huge,” he added. “Being at Wembley, it’s even more special – something we could have only dreamed of at the start.”