Sunday, 16 February 2014

Raheem Sterling: Liverpool winger in England contention

England manager Roy Hodgson says Raheem Sterling's impressive form for Liverpool has put him in contention for a place in his World Cup squad.
The winger, 19, has been a first-team regular for the Reds this season and scored twice in the 5-1 win against Arsenal this month.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          His only England appearance to date came against Sweden in November 2012.
But Hodgson said: "Since he got back into the Liverpool team his form seems to be going up and up."
After making his international debut, Sterling struggled to secure a regular place in Liverpool's starting line-up last season.
However, he has made 25 appearances so far in 2013-14, scoring six goals, and has played a key role in helping Brendan Rodgers's side stay in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Hodgson added: "He is doing it for a top team and that puts a lot of pressure on everybody else because if you can do it at the top of the table with Liverpool then you can do it in an England shirt as well."
Sterling is not the only player whose form has impressed Hodgson this season.
Forward Wilfried Zaha, 21, has two England caps, having made his debut in the same game against Sweden as Sterling, before making a substitute appearance in last August's 3-2 friendly victory over Scotland.
The former Crystal Palace man had been unable to force his way into the first team at Manchester United, but is featuring regularly for Cardiff City, who he joined on loan last month.

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