Coauthored by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner
Obtained from Google search “Raheem Sterling,” labeled for noncommercial reuse
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 69 kg
Senior Experience: 2012-present
Caps: 19
Club: Manchester City (English Premier League)
Season Statistics: 6 Goals; 2 Assists; 37 Tackles
Role and Projected Tournament Outlook:
One of the up-and-coming stars on England’s national squad, Raheem Sterling is poised to take the spotlight in the upcoming Euros for Hodgson’s team. After making eight appearances in qualifying that yielded two goals and three assists (UEFA, 2016), Sterling appears to be locked in to the starting XI this summer in France. If he does so, it would be the second consecutive international tournament that the midfielder has started for the Three Lions, after recording a cap in the 2014 World Cup opener against Italy two years ago.
Praised for his pace, versatility and movement on the pitch, the biggest question for Sterling moving into the summer is whether he will play in the midfield or further upfront with the strikers—a question that will likely be answered by the formation Hodgson elects to use (McNulty, “Euro,” 2015). But with his ability to pass the ball, especially on short lines, and to dribble around defenders, Sterling could either come out of the midfield or play further up on the wing beside Wayne Rooney (Who Scored, “Raheem,” 2016).
Considered to have the most potential for England, Sterling is not quite the “go to” man of the Golden Generation just yet, but is developing into a creative and natural finisher for his squad. With his adaptability and ability to play wide, at the tip of a midfield diamond or even centrally—making him a flexible option this summer—expect to see Sterling garner a lot of time on the pitch in multiple areas for Hodgson. By utilizing his pace and dribbling skills, he could be all over the field with various lineups for England when the first ball is kicked off for the European championships (McNulty, “Raheem,” 2015).
How to cite this article: “Left Mid: Raheem Sterling” Written by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/english-national-team/englands-projecting-starting-xi/left-mid-raheem-sterling/ (accessed on (date)).
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