Raheem Sterling has come under criticism following his recent run of poor form for Chelsea.
The 27-year-old has scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 19 appearances since his £50 million move to Chelsea. Sterling has also failed to score in his last 9 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, and only two goals for Chelsea since Graham Potter took charge as Chelsea manager.
Sterling is expected to play a vital role in England’s World Cup campaign and will be competing for a position on the wings with the likes of Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Bukayo Saka has been in excellent form for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s side leads the Premier League.
Despite Raheem Sterling’s recent run of poor form, Wayne Rooney expects The Chelsea forward to start for England but has hailed Bukayo Saka for his impressive performance for Arsenal.
What did Wayne Rooney say?
The former Manchester United icon said on The Times: “On the right, it’s a difficult one.
“For England, Sterling has been very good and Saka is a top player, so I would play either of them off the right.
“The idea would be for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] to push on down the flank and for them to come in to provide a second No 10. It would cause teams problems.
“I played many games with Sterling and he improved a lot. Working with Pep Guardiola at City improved him tactically and he has become good at the simple things, which maybe he wasn’t before.
“He can score goals, create goals, he’s quick and can beat a man. As shown in the past two tournaments, he can be a crucial player for England.
“Saka puts Sterling under pressure, though. He plays with no fear and we’ve been talking about players not being in club form, but he is the opposite: he has been in great form for Arsenal.
“They’re great options for Gareth and I think in different games he’ll change his team up. I don’t think anyone could complain whichever one is chosen.”
Meanwhile, Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has also tipped Raheem Sterling to play an important role for England at the World Cup.
Micah Richards said on BBC Sports: “I still rate Raheem very highly but he looks a little lost. It’s like he is a bit frustrated in terms of Chelsea’s set-up and, tactically, does not know what they want him to do.
“After a manager signs you and says you are their top guy, like [Thomas] Tuchel did with Sterling, it must be frustrating when a new manager comes in and wants to use you differently.
“Every player just wants to have some stability. I think he is in good hands with Potter – let’s make that clear – but it is down to him to get the best out of Sterling now.”
England will begin their World Cup campaign on Monday 21st November against Iran.
