Raheem Sterling’s first England hat-trick shows just how far he has come as a goalscorer. He’s not had the easiest time in the last few years but his four goals in his last two appearances for the Three Lions shows that he has risen above it.
When he was at Liverpool, everybody could see the pace and talent, but Sterling didn’t have the natural goalscoring ability. But since moving to City and working with Pep his eye for goal has sharpened and that’s why he’s scored 25 goals this season for City. 

There are are many wingers that have the pace, but not all have the football brain and composure in front of goal which is what separates Raheem. He had some trouble performing as well in an England shirt, as seen at the World Cup, but now its great to see him doing so well for his country.

The fans have been on his back at the World Cup, and the press have given him a really tough time, but the best way to silence the critics is to perform on the pitch.

Sterling is now the main man in an England shirt for me, and still at 24 years old he has plenty of time to improve even further.

Gareth Southgate never lost his trust in Sterling and that’s one of the things that has helped to build his confidence.
The great things about Southgate is he was involved with the youth setup at England before taking the main job so he knows all about the talent coming through. A lot of managers wouldn’t have that luxury but Southgate will give the youth a chance, as he gave Hudson Odoi, Jadon Sancho and Declan Rice all an opportunity this week. 

Sancho has been doing great things in the Bundesliga and it will show other young English players they will have plenty of opportunity if they go abroad, and it won’t jeopardise their chances of playing for England.

It’s an exciting time for England. #mmlove