Sterling effort
There has been a growing talk of Raheem Sterling being one of the stars of the World Cup. Roy Hodgson may have resisted the temptation to start Everton young gun Ross Barkley but the England manager did unleash the Liverpool forward – and Sterling impressed. The 19-year-old showed a willingness to run at the Italian defence and create chances for his team-mates. The England forward had half of the country on its feet when his early shot from distance appeared to have rocketed into the top corner as Salvatore Sirigu was left scrambling. Matteo Darmian spent most of the first half attacking Leighton Baines but Sterling finally put the Torino man on the back foot as he darted to the touchline and sent a low cross into the area. The England youngster looked the most likely to make a telling contribution and Sterling had a decisive impact as his superb threaded pass set Wayne Rooney free to create Daniel Sturridge’s equaliser. It was a sweeping move not too dissimilar to some of the goals at Anfield in the Premier League season. The Reds midfielder continued in the second half as he won a free-kick in a dangerous position following a forceful Giorgio Chiellini challenge.
Welbeck impresses but Hodgson must turn to Barkley and Lallana
Danny Welbeck’s inclusion was one of the big talking points when Roy Hodgson’s starting line-up was announced ahead of England’s Group D opener against Italy. But the Manchester United brushed off the cobwebs after a miserable club campaign to carry out the England manager’s instructions. Rio Ferdinand talked up Welbeck prior to kick-off, highlighting the job that the forward does not just offensively, but also defensively. And the 23-year-old, unlike Wayne Rooney, showed a willingness to track back and dispossess the opposition. It was the unfashionable side of his game and perhaps showing signs of rediscovering his confidence, Welbeck showed a bit of skill to get past Gabriel Paletta before delivering a dangerous cross. It was a decision that Hodgson got right. However, Costa Rica’s 3-1 victory over Uruguay means England will need maximum points against the South Americans in their next Group D outing. For that, Hodgson needs to unleash Barkley or Adam Lallana in a bid to tear apart a Uruguay defence that lacks pace, especially without suspended Maxi Pereira.
Italy capitalise on England lapses
Hodgson can take plenty of positives from the 2-1 loss, namely the performances of Sterling and Sturridge as well as Rooney’s attacking impact. But the England manager will be frustrated with the goals conceded. The first saw the Three Lions switch off as a short corner allowed Andrea Pirlo to pull off a cunning dummy which drew Sturridge to the World Cup winner and freed Claudio Marchisio. The Juventus midfielder firing a low shot past Hart in the 35th minute. After reacting so well to the setback, England were slow out of the blocks following the half-time break. Antonio Candreva’s quick change of direction caught out Leighton Baines and the Lazio midfielder produced a pinpoint cross for Mario Balotelli, who nodded a header past Hart after capitalising on the space between Gary Cahill and Glen Johnson. It was charity from England and Hodgson’s can’t afford similar lapses against Uruguay, especially if Luis Suarez wins his fitness battle.