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What Manchester United legend said about City star is spot on

By Mubangizi Humphrey

SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Raheem Sterling of England is tackled by Andreas Granqvist of Sweden during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Raheem Sterling of England is tackled by Andreas Granqvist of Sweden during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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Gary Neville has come out and defended Sterling after he came under heavy criticism for his performance against Sweden.

England played Sweden on Saturday hoping to secure a semifinal spot in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli either side of the break gave England victory in a largely comfortable game for The Three Lions.

Raheem Sterling started up front alongside Harry Kane and could have all but guaranteed England’s place in the semifinal had he converted his chance just before halftime. Sterling brought down nicely a difficult pass from Henderson and was clear with only the keeper Robin Olsen to beat.

He, however, failed to round the keeper with the big Swede putting a hand in and diverting the ball away from Sterling.

The chance was gone and along with it, all the good work Sterling had put in during the game. Fans weren’t pleased with the miss and hammered Sterling on social media despite him putting in a good shift.

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With his pace, direct running at the opposition, and good runs in behind, Sterling was a constant danger to the Swedish defence. He made some good runs in behind but the pass either didn’t come or was a poor one. With a better supporting cast, he could have gotten a few more chances to make amends for the miss.

Gary Neville was not impressed with the criticism directed towards the City winger and came to his defence.

"“The actual treatment at half-time of Sterling across social media was absolutely disgusting and isn’t representative of the performance he put in. To run in-behind Granqvist all that time, he kept getting in and getting in. OK, we didn’t have the cherry on the cake, the goal, where all of a sudden you’re a hero, but it was a brilliant performance”- said Neville on ITV"

Spot on Gary! Southgate understands the importance of Sterling to this England team and has refused to drop the winger despite all the pressure from the media. His pace and dribbling ability will be important for England if they are to beat a talented Croatian side in the semifinal.

He will be needed to test the Croatian defence, who at times, looked suspect when the defensive responsibilities of the midfield went missing against Russia.

The clinical edge is a must now for Sterling and England come Wednesday with an opportunity to reach a final for the first time in 52 years.

Will England reach the World Cup final?

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