Playing for 90
Fansided

7 reasons why England can win the World Cup

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: Harry Kane of England is seen with the matchball following scoring a hatrick in his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: Harry Kane of England is seen with the matchball following scoring a hatrick in his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 18: Raheem Sterling of England looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 18: Raheem Sterling of England looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Sterling will eventually recreate his Manchester City form

Hey, I have an idea: let’s judge a player on his performances and not on anything whatsoever off the pitch. Unless he is on trial at the Old Bailey or something radical. My point is, let Raheem Sterling play unabated.

He is good enough to be there as well as being heavily involved. His champion club form is testament to that. Regardless of first impressions, having studied England’s preparations, I can reveal he seems an unassuming young man. Rant over, as they say.

Unfortunately for the Man City forward he is performing unsatisfactorily at international level. Scoring four goals in 40 appearances. Yes, 40! Most players would get dropped as a very attacking winger or striker with that return.

Six assists shows he was still majorly participating. Yet, that return is the reason he is not untouchable, despite unfair press coverage regarding his youth or whatever ill-advised tattoos he chooses.

Finding his Pep or dynamism

What his club manager Pep Guardiola did, was to elevate him up the pitch, while remaining one of three attackers. Similarly to the evolution of Mohamed Salah in the same position at Anfield. Sterling’s greatest strength is his pace and general movement.

Guardiola’s simple master stroke was going back to basics with the Englishman. Lost in training were his fundamentals. The Spanish expert gave that back to his player. Reminding Sterling of two important things.

Firstly, movement: telling Sterling to free himself from any opponent attention. Two outcomes developed: the forward found himself free and available for a tap-in after fine buildup. The other, was that Sterling dragged defenders out-of-position.

Therefore his teammates had a free lane or space to manipulate the attack. Guardiola also gave him a playground level freshener. Play the one-two or give-and-go. With the 23-year-old’s pace, vision and sometime finishing ability, it alleviates tight marking instantly. Can Southgate get that reaction from him?

Home/World Cup