England are into the World Cup semi-final after a resounding 2-0 victory over Sweden. It was an assured win by Gareth Southgate's side however one aspect continues to divide the English press; one Raheem Sterling.
In a welcomed twist, this time the Sterling debate is, at least, about football. In the past, lamentable coverage has been dedicated to trivialities surrounding his personal life. That bizarre obsession is atrocious and has been rightly criticised in recent weeks.
In this case, it is his inclusion in Southgate's starting team that is the source of debate. Sterling's movement and running lines were widely praised in the aftermath of today's result, but he was also criticised for his poor finishing and passing ability.
On the BBC's interactive player ratings, Sterling received the lowest rating of any England player with 5.23/10. Sky Sports and the Independent awarded him a 7/10.
On social media, there was both praise and criticism for the 23-year-old.
Spot on. https://t.co/OTF6eFqgDk
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) July 7, 2018
One of our most important players. The energy, the movement, the work rate, the skill. Couldn’t afford to lose him. Player’s player. https://t.co/dKh5IFt6FC
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) July 7, 2018
Lot of talk about Raheem Sterling. So let's talk about the fact that Sterling never hid, that he never stopped running, that he's a class act with many gifts as he's showed countless times in recent years. Not his best game against #swe but he remains an important player for #eng
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 7, 2018
Just be be absolutely clear, Sterling played well. Until the first goal, he was the only England player to show anything. He disrupted the Swedish system. When he ran at the defence, he drew five players and created space. Later, his running stretched them
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvans92a) July 7, 2018
Sterling. Jeez.
If you must have a machine gun tattoo, then you can't shoot like that.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 7, 2018
But the second, third and fourth touch?
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) July 7, 2018
Sterling's finishing touch is such an issue. Lacks composure in the box. Been a theme of this World Cup.
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) July 7, 2018
Next up for Sterling and England is Russia or Croatia next week, with a spot in the World Cup final up for grabs.
