'5/10', 'Rarely involved': National media criticises 27-year-old Chelsea player after World Cup display yesterday
Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling retained his starting position yesterday for the England match against the United States at the World Cup. National media were actually quite critical of the 27-year-old player’s display in Qatar, though.
England stay top of Group B at the World Cup after the goalless draw against the United States on Friday night.
Gareth Southgate’s side kickstarted their tournament by thrashing Iran 6-2, but they’ve just had a bit of a reality check against a decent US side.
Next, the Three Lions face rivals Wales in the group finale.
Raheem Sterling against United States
Chelsea attacker Sterling, 27, couldn’t provide a real goalscoring threat last night despite scoring in the opener against Iran.
The winger didn’t do enough out of possession as defensive support. Also, he couldn’t find the creative spark in attack, the same as his forward teammates.
He’s received some widespread criticism from national media outlets after his latest England performance.
The Telegraph wrote on Sterling: “The Chelsea star worried the USA defenders with his pace and trickery going forwards early on, but did not offer Shaw enough protection defensively as the USA appeared to target England’s left side. Provided little threat in the second half and was replaced by Grealish. 5/10”
Meanwhile, The Guardian said: “Made a chance for Mount but was rarely involved. Could not complain about going off. 5/10.”
Finally, The Independent marked Sterling as a 5/10 in their player ratings: “Barely saw the ball and was left isolated as England dropped deeper and deeper in the second half. He was caught out a couple of times when Dest attacked from right back, as Sterling wasn’t following him. Only had a couple of moments when he linked up Shaw and Mount but was unable to do enough to avoid being taken off on 68 minutes.”
It was a rare off-night from Sterling at the World Cup, who is usually so reliable and impressive in Gareth Southgate’s XI.
Patrice Evra noted earlier this week how improved Sterling is in an England shirt, something which just didn’t come to fruition against the United States.
It’s going to be interesting to see if he keeps his spot in the line-up against Wales.
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