Anton Ferdinand has suggested that Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling may be able to rediscover his best form at the World Cup and fire for England.
Sterling, 27, has been a little inconsistent in the opening few months of his Blues career at Stamford Bridge.
The quick attacker has contributed with five goals in 18 games across all competitions, but he’s not quite been shining as expected during the busy fixture schedule in recent weeks.
Despite his inconsistency, most England supporters expect him to go and play for Gareth Southgate’s side at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Three Lions kickstart their campaign 21 November against Iran.
Raheem Sterling form
Ferdinand has defended Sterling’s form by saying he can still come good when he puts on an England shirt in Qatar.
He’s highlighted the fact the winger’s been key in previous international tournaments for his country, so he could end up being brilliant.
“Raheem Sterling wasn’t in form before the Euros, and then all of a sudden he carried England to the final,” Ferdinand told talkSPORT.
When asked if he can do the same at the World Cup, Ferdinand responded: “There’s no reason why he can’t. I’m hearing people say he shouldn’t be playing, he’s proven in a tournament.
“If he wasn’t playing for Chelsea and wasn’t match fit, I’d absolutely understand it… But he’s playing. He’s match fit. He’s sharp. He might need a new environment to get going.”
Southgate will try to bank on the experience within this England group to do well at the World Cup, which is why everyone should expect Sterling to be an important figure.
The 79-cap England star is one of the senior individuals for his country that can perform on the highest stage.
He’s going to shoulder some blame for not being at his very sharpest lately in Chelsea colours, but you can’t overlook the fact he’s played in a number of different roles already under Graham Potter.
Jay Bothroyd recently claimed that Sterling shouldn’t be in England’s starting XI at the World Cup. It’s hard to overlook someone with his know-how and quality, though.
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