Raheem Sterling must remain in starting XI after impressive performance

Football fever pitch has gripped England during this World Cup with the team now preparing for a semi-final against Croatia on Wednesday.

Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford and John Stones have all had excellent tournaments in Russia this summer with consistently impressive performances.

Raheem Sterling has failed to show his club form so far in the four games he has played, but in the game against Sweden, the forward impressed and was regarded as one of the best players.

That performance has divided opinions across the country with many people focusing on the negatives rather the positives.

Much has been made out about him lacking a creative ability and attacking force in the group stages, however, he consistently put the Swedish centre-backs on the back foot with his running in behind.

He caused Andreas Granqvist problems as he continuously ran past the back four to run into the channels, pushing Sweden team back and not allowing them to control the game.

The reason for criticism is due to the fact he hasn’t put the ball in the back of the net as a forward player. Seven shots with no mark next to his name, while Marcus Rashford has four and no return and Jesse Lingard has 12 shots with the only wonder goal against Panama to claim.

But he should be praised for getting in the box and willingness to get on the scoresheet, something which he has got better with time under Pep Guardiola.

Another perception of Sterling is that he gives the ball away too many times. Well, in fact, he doesn’t rank in high percentage of players who lost possession as Kieran Trippier and Jordan Henderson top the charts with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Ashley Young all statistically more wasteful in possession.

As a result, Sterling should keep his place in England’s most important game in 28 years.

He will face better centre-backs in Dejan Lovren and his likely partner, Domagoj Vida, on Wednesday, which there likely to be more street smart in denying the Jamaican-born star in going behind and into any vacant channels.

Their manager identified the qualities of the player in his pre-match conference with Gareth Southgate agreeing.

"“I am not surprised that Croatia has identified Raheem as a key player. If you look at all of our attacking patterns and the way that our front four have combined and played, he has been instrumental in that.“He is a player that is really appreciated by the team. I’ve seen lots of ex-players and had lots of messages from ex-players, who have the same view. We are really pleased with his contribution.” – England manager Gareth Southgate"

John Stones and Kyle Walker can be expected to line up in defence, while Fabian Delph will be hoping for a role from the bench.

With the 23-man squad fit, it is likely that England will be keeping the same starting XI for the game in Moscow, with the prize getting one step closer.