Ruud Gullit was left scratching his head as to why Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling replaced Bukayo Saka in the World Cup quarter-final last night.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS yesterday, Gullit argued against Gareth Southgate’s decision to swap Saka for Sterling during England’s clash with France.
Southgate decided to turn to the Stamford Bridge summer signing with 11 minutes of his side’s tournament in Qatar remaining.
England had just conceded to former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud when the attacker entered the contest.
It was a poignant moment for Sterling to be introduced by his international manager.
The awful off field events that occurred in the build-up to the encounter against France certainly left the attacker’s competition in understandable doubt.
Sadly, the 28-year-old could not wash away the terrible incident that happened to him and his family as the Three Lions eventually lost the tie 2-1.
Raheem Sterling bows out of World Cup
Sterling really didn’t have enough time to impact the fixture, having switched with Saka in the final flourishes of the contest.
It was a change that induced criticism from Gullit, who questioned Southgate for removing the young Gunner for his senior compatriot.
“Saka was the only one who was really, really good. Why did you take him off?” asked the former Chelsea midfielder.
“I don’t think he (Sterling) is near what he was a couple of seasons ago. Therefore, why would you do that? And he didn’t do anything (when he came on).”
Southgate and Sterling will not be able to right the wrongs of their quarter-final exit, as France marched on into the semi-final.
Had Harry Kane converted his second penalty of the evening, matters might have been entirely different.
Sterling’s attentions can now turn to helping Chelsea improve their Premier League position, and possibly take a stab at the Champions League.
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