For pretty much all of Southgate's time in charge of England, Sterling has been a certain pick, which in turn makes the decision regarding his selection or otherwise for Sunday's Euro 2020 opener against Croatia feel all the more fundamental. Equally, Southgate's alternatives, players like Jack Grealish and Sterling's City team-mate Phil Foden, have spent some of that time presenting convincing arguments to be included ahead of him. Grealish — so impressive whenever he has pulled on an England shirt — would appear to have the weight of public opinion behind him. Sterling played 90 minutes against Leeds and a total of two minutes as a substitute across the two Dortmund games. Guardiola described Sterling as 'brilliant' and 'amazing' after he played in City's Carabao Cup final win over Tottenham in April.

Source: Daily Mail June 09, 2021 21:35 UTC