England manager Roy Hodgson has explained his decision to call 17-year-old Raheem Sterling into the squad for tonight’s World Cup qualifer against Ukraine.
The decision raised a few eyebrows as it was announced yesterday, with Sterling starting just two Premier League games for Liverpool,
But Hodgson was quick to explain the thinking behind his decision, hoping the call will give the youngster some valuable experience for the future.
The England boss said: “I’ve spoken to Brendan Rodgers and explained the thinking behind him coming in. I’ll also make it clear to Raheem.
“He will be pretty lucky to get close to the field because there were plenty of players who were chosen in front of him.
“I can only hope he takes it in the right way. He mustn’t think he’s become part of the set-up and has made it.
“He has to try, next time, to make sure he is one of the original 23.”
Sterling has been one of the few bright sparks in Liverpool’s start to the season, impressing in their last two matches against Manchester City and Arsenal.
