Raheem Sterling has been English footballs new revelation of sorts and the miraculous rise of the teenage winger saw him book a ticket to Brazil. England play Italy in their group opener tonight with lots at stake and the big question that arises is will coach Roy Hodgson start the feisty youngster. Roy Hodgson is a man not known for taking risks and starting Raheem Sterling on the big stage is something we don’t normally associate with the English coach. But the three lions must give sterling a chance to show his pedigree.
The 2010 world cup saw the English team being take apart by the Germans due to lack of fluidity with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard lacking the direct approach required at this level .The 2012 European championship was not too different either as another English side bowed out with lack of pace playing a huge factor in the downfall. If past history is to go by then Raheem Sterling has to start out wide for England. What Raheem Sterling brings to the table is raw pace and sharp cutting edge which the ageing Italian side might not like in the Manaus heat. The Italians will have the lion’s share of possession and when England does get the ball they will have to counter with pace. It is here that Raheem Sterling’s pace will come in handy. England must play their opening match with the same set up as that of Liverpool with Steven Gerrard in his new holding role and Raheem Sterling given the license to attack.Raheem Sterling sending off against Ecuador has surely put a question mark on his temperament and his ability to soak up the pressure but a world cup is the platform where legends are evolved .If his enthusiasm is anything to go bye,he is surely up and running for this tournament. Sterling faces stiff competition from Adam Lallana and Danny Welbeck for the wide position but when it comes to running at defenders he has to be the obvious choice. As Gerrard and co. gear up to battle, an English youngster is waiting in the wings to write his own destiny.