Sterling set for England recall – reports
Raheem Sterling is to receive a recall to the England side for their Euro 2016 round-of-16 tie against Iceland, according to British newspaper reports.
The Guardian, The Times and The Telegraph report that Sterling will come into the starting XI in place of Adam Lallana for Monday’s game in Nice.
Manchester City’s Sterling, 21, has not featured for England since being substituted at half-time of their 2-1 win over Wales in the group stage.
But the winger is expected to come back into the team to complete a front three of Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane as part of six changes by Roy Hodgson.
England captain Wayne Rooney said of Sterling: “From what I’ve seen his state of mind is fine.
“What we’ve seen on the training pitch of Raheem he’s been fantastic, sharp, taking players on, scoring goals.
“There’s no issue with Raheem at all. He’s a huge asset to us as a team, a fantastic player and one who can turn the game in a split second. If anyone is questioning his attitude or state of mind, they’d be mistaken in having that judgment.”
Meanwhile, Hodgson has reacted angrily to suggestions of a rift between Rooney and striker Jamie Vardy on the eve of their clash with Iceland.
A German broadcaster queried Rooney about newspaper reports that he had spoken with Leicester forward Vardy about his wife Rebekah and her growing profile during the tournament.
Hodgson intervened on his skipper’s behalf, saying: “I’ll answer for Wayne.
“I haven’t a clue what you are referring to. There are absolutely no problems in football terms between Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy, quite the reverse… they are very close friends on and off the field.
“I would certainly advise Wayne to give no comment. It’s obviously one salacious story someone has managed to spin.”
Information from the Press Association was used in this report.
