Raheem Sterling had scored both of England’s goals in the group stage, and despite there still being doubts about whether he deserves his spot in the starting line-up or not – he put an end (one would have hoped so) to the discussion by putting in another goalscoring performance against Germany in their Round of 16 encounter.
Sterling’s goal was England’s third goal in EURO 2020, as the Three Lions’ number ten had then scored hundred per cent of his team’s total goals in the competition.
Captain Kane added a second in the 86th minute, to seal the result for England and confirm their progress into the quarter-finals of the 2020 European Championship.
Apart from the goal, Sterling had an inspiring defensive performance too – he won both of his tackles attempted and completed six recoveries as well.
The complete performance justified his regular inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up above some equally exciting names such as Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho.
The finish alone put an end to the constant doubt regarding Sterling’s spot in the eleven, and England will continue to need him at his very best if football has to indeed, come home this summer.
But, as much as the Man City winger continues to thrive on the pitch for England, it hasn’t stopped his critics from questioning his justification in the England lineup.
Sterling was left bewildered when a BBC reporter had hurled a similar question after England’s match against Croatia.
Raheem Sterling when asked if he’s ‘justified his selection’…🤣💙
— City Chief (@City_Chief) June 30, 2021
[via @IanWright0]pic.twitter.com/OyO1rBma0P