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World Cup analysis: England need to drop Raheem Sterling

By Rucker Haringey

SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Raheem Sterling of England is challenged by Ludwig Augustinsson of Sweden during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Raheem Sterling of England is challenged by Ludwig Augustinsson of Sweden during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
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England enjoyed a relatively comfortable 2-0 win over Sweden yesterday, but Raheem Sterling was the team’s weak link. He should miss the semifinal.

Raheem Sterling has a lot of wonderful attributes as a professional football player. When he’s on his game, his combination of speed and trickery with the ball at his feet can flummox world-class defenders. Unfortunately, Sterling hasn’t been anywhere near his best during this World Cup.

The 23-year-old Englishman was clearly the worst player on the pitch for Gareth Southgate’s squad against Sweden. He was deployed as a second striker alongside Harry Kane and he turned in the worst statistical performance in the squad. His Whoscored.com player rating score of 6.5 was a full .4 worse than any other English player.

That score isn’t out of line with Sterling’s other performances during the competition either. His rating average for the entire tournament is just 6.81 in his four appearances. Sterling has managed to provide his team one assist, but mostly he’s been a non-factor.

In some cases the numbers can lie, but that’s not what’s happening here. Sterling looks like a fish out of water for the Three Lions. His hesitation cost England several quality scoring chances against Sweden. It didn’t hurt England in the quarterfinals, but it could cripple the team in upcoming matches.

That’s why Southgate needs to put Sterling on the bench. Given the fact that he’s playing him largely as a forward, there’s an easy replacement for him on the substitute’s bench. It’s time for England to make the bold move of putting Marcus Rashford in the starting XI.

The United star hasn’t enjoyed much success during this World Cup either, but he’s a much more consistent player than Sterling. He too, fan really threaten opposing defenses with his blistering pace. He may not be quite the dribbler Sterling is, but he is much more decisive with the ball at his feet. Keeping this simple on offence may be enough to get England all the way to the end of the competition.

Rashford’s clear advantage in terms of size also makes him a much more significant aerial threat. Set pieces are going to be huge for England if they’re going to win this World Cup. Sterling isn’t going to score with his head, Rashford might.

Most importantly, Rashford is a more capable defender than Sterling. England enjoyed a massive possession advantage over Sweden, but that probably won’t be the case in any of their remaining matches. Having one more attacker capable of tracking back and pitching in on the defensive end of the pitch could be crucial for Southgate.

Next: Harry Kane can carry England to the World Cup Final

Raheem Sterling is a very talented player who deserves to be a part of the England squad. He’s currently in a slump though. That’s why Marcus Rashford should take his spot in his nation’s starting XI for the rest of the World Cup competition.

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