People are too critical of Raheem Sterling... he’s had his best two games for England, says Danny Murphy

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Danny Murphy9 July 2018

Raheem Sterling is on the end of harsh judgements far too often in an England shirt.

Fans are over-critical of him because of off-the-pitch matters, and because there seems to be a negative perception of him, it influences people’s opinion of his performance.

I thought he was terrific against Sweden. He was hungry and showed confidence to be strong, come deep, get on the ball and make things happen. His end product could have been better but given the way we play he is a really nice foil for Harry Kane.

Sterling is one of those players who his team-mates will appreciate more than supporters. If you play with him you will love his availability and the way he can run in behind and come to feet. As a midfielder I loved playing with players like that.

In the last couple of games he has shown real courage to get on the ball and make things happen. Even if they have not always come off, he is trying to do the right things and I think these last two games have been his best performances in an England shirt.

His goal record at international level should be better but if he keeps playing with the same hunger then he will score goals and could have a major part to play in the rest of the tournament. There have been some reports of things off the pitch in his career and when you are a big player in the Premier League you leave yourself wide open.

(AP)
Matthias Schrader/AP

He did struggle at Euro 2016 in France and for England he has not shown what he did for Manchester City last season. But he has displayed real strength of character to overcome the negativity and I am really pleased for him.

Playing this role as the second striker suits him and I don’t think we have anyone else who can play that position.

I am a big fan of Marcus Rashford but I am not sure he is as good at making those runs in behind. Gareth Southgate will stick with Sterling so everyone should get behind him. Let’s not isolate anybody in this team because they have a real chance of making history.

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