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England will get Sterling service now Liverpool winger is over his slump, says Rodgers
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI
PUBLISHED: 17:30 EST, 23 December 2013 | UPDATED: 17:30 EST, 23 December 2013
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Brendan Rodgers has tipped Raheem Sterling to make a charge for England’s World Cup squad after emerging from his first dip in form with a bang.
It was at this time 12 months ago that Sterling, having just signed a lucrative long-term deal on the back of an outstanding start to life in the Barclays Premier League, pledged his international career to England, rather than choosing Jamaica, where he was born.
The last year, though, has been testing. He suffered a serious thigh problem in the spring, which prevented him making England’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship, and he also endured a couple of off-the-field issues, which led to him appearing in court.
VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Raheem Sterling's bicycle kick during England U 21 training
Red hot! Raheem Sterling (centre) has emerged from a dip in form caused by on and off-field problems
Head's up! The Liverpool winger has scored three goals in his last four appearances for Liverpool
Lion heart: Sterling (left) chose England ahead of Jamaica after being selected by Roy Hodgson 12 months ago
That prompted Rodgers to warn the 19-year-old in September that he would put his career in jeopardy if he did not 'stabilise his life'; since then, though, Sterling has knuckled down and has scored three goals in his last four appearances in Daniel Sturridge’s absence.
‘Raheem has got every opportunity with England,’ said Rodgers. ‘He’s been able to showcase his talents. He’s done very well for the Under-21s when he’s played. But I think if you look at a number of the English players playing for us, it is not just Raheem.
‘Just look at Jordan (Henderson) as well and the level of his game. I think this is a place where the young players are growing and developing and that will benefit England and Liverpool as well.’
Raheem Sterling bicycle kick in England U21 head tennis session
Development: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers (left) has also talked up Jordan Henderson's England chances
Competition: Andros Townsend and Theo Walcott (right) stand in Sterling's way of reaching Brazil
Roy Hodgson gave Sterling his international debut in a friendly against Sweden in November 2012 but he has been filling a more important role for Gareth Southgate’s squad recently, scoring two goals in the 9-0 thrashing of San Marino last month.
Andros Townsend and Theo Walcott also stand in Sterling’s way yet Rodgers feels there is a new depth and maturity to his play that would provide Hodgson with options in Brazil. More than anything, he has seen a change in his attitude.
Drop down: Since making his full England debut, Raheem Sterling has been more involved with the Under 21s
He's back! Brendan Rodgers has hailed Raheem Sterling's performance against Tottenham
‘I thought when Raheem started he was outstanding,’ said Rodgers. ‘Then he had a real dip in his performance level for a number of reasons but the one thing is I’m always fair with players I always try to act in the best interests of them, if they are performing in training and showing a real focus.
‘He has shown he is back now to that level where he is really aggressive and direct. And what Raheem is doing is scoring goals, which is important. He’s still so young - he was only 19 the other week - and I’m sure there will be other dips along the way.
Rodgers added: ‘He’s still only learning. But I thought he was exceptional in a big game at Tottenham, so he shows he’s got that ability to play at that level.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2oLC3qgbA
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PUBLISHED: 17:30 EST, 23 December 2013 | UPDATED: 17:30 EST, 23 December 2013
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Brendan Rodgers has tipped Raheem Sterling to make a charge for England’s World Cup squad after emerging from his first dip in form with a bang.
It was at this time 12 months ago that Sterling, having just signed a lucrative long-term deal on the back of an outstanding start to life in the Barclays Premier League, pledged his international career to England, rather than choosing Jamaica, where he was born.
The last year, though, has been testing. He suffered a serious thigh problem in the spring, which prevented him making England’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship, and he also endured a couple of off-the-field issues, which led to him appearing in court.
VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Raheem Sterling's bicycle kick during England U 21 training
Red hot! Raheem Sterling (centre) has emerged from a dip in form caused by on and off-field problemsHead's up! The Liverpool winger has scored three goals in his last four appearances for LiverpoolLion heart: Sterling (left) chose England ahead of Jamaica after being selected by Roy Hodgson 12 months agoThat prompted Rodgers to warn the 19-year-old in September that he would put his career in jeopardy if he did not 'stabilise his life'; since then, though, Sterling has knuckled down and has scored three goals in his last four appearances in Daniel Sturridge’s absence.
‘Raheem has got every opportunity with England,’ said Rodgers. ‘He’s been able to showcase his talents. He’s done very well for the Under-21s when he’s played. But I think if you look at a number of the English players playing for us, it is not just Raheem.
‘Just look at Jordan (Henderson) as well and the level of his game. I think this is a place where the young players are growing and developing and that will benefit England and Liverpool as well.’
Raheem Sterling bicycle kick in England U21 head tennis session
Development: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers (left) has also talked up Jordan Henderson's England chancesCompetition: Andros Townsend and Theo Walcott (right) stand in Sterling's way of reaching Brazil
Roy Hodgson gave Sterling his international debut in a friendly against Sweden in November 2012 but he has been filling a more important role for Gareth Southgate’s squad recently, scoring two goals in the 9-0 thrashing of San Marino last month.
Andros Townsend and Theo Walcott also stand in Sterling’s way yet Rodgers feels there is a new depth and maturity to his play that would provide Hodgson with options in Brazil. More than anything, he has seen a change in his attitude.
Drop down: Since making his full England debut, Raheem Sterling has been more involved with the Under 21sHe's back! Brendan Rodgers has hailed Raheem Sterling's performance against Tottenham‘I thought when Raheem started he was outstanding,’ said Rodgers. ‘Then he had a real dip in his performance level for a number of reasons but the one thing is I’m always fair with players I always try to act in the best interests of them, if they are performing in training and showing a real focus.
‘He has shown he is back now to that level where he is really aggressive and direct. And what Raheem is doing is scoring goals, which is important. He’s still so young - he was only 19 the other week - and I’m sure there will be other dips along the way.
Rodgers added: ‘He’s still only learning. But I thought he was exceptional in a big game at Tottenham, so he shows he’s got that ability to play at that level.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2oLC3qgbA
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