‘Every. Single. Time’: Collymore hails Manchester City ace as ‘inspiration’ for his country

Follow us on Google Discover

Stan Collymore has hailed Raheem Sterling on Twitter for being England’s most important player, as the Manchester City winger always steps up when others look for inspiration.

The Three Lions visited Hungary on Thursday to continue their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. Gareth Southgate’s side ran out comfortable winners after goals from Sterling, Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Declan Rice. The win stretching a 100% start to Group I.

Kane missed a handful of chances to open and further extend England’s advantage at the Puskas Arena before Sterling scored. The Manchester City forward slotting home his 18th goal in international football, before turning provider for Kane to also net.

Sterling was continually England’s most likely option to cause Hungary problems, with the Manchester City ace free on the right-wing. His clever movement to find space and attack the defence was evident throughout, while never shying from demanding the ball.

Collymore hailed Sterling for the Manchester City forward’s influential role in England’s win over Hungary on Thursday night. Believing the 69-cap attacker is head and shoulders above everyone in Southgate’s plans for their importance to the Three Lions.

“England’s most important player bar none,” Collymore said. “Every single game for some time now he’s stepped up when others have been looking around for inspiration. Every. Single. Time.”

Is Manchester City’s Sterling now England’s most important player?

England will have expected Kane to have left the Puskas Arena with more goals to his name after the chances he spurned against Hungary on Thursday night. Jack Grealish also showed his ability to run at defenders to trick his way into one-on-ones and create chances.

But Manchester City’s Sterling continued his run of international form from Euro 2020 to be the shining light for England. Pep Guardiola will also hope the 26-year-old brings that momentum back to the Etihad Stadium after the international break.

Sterling has only started one of Manchester City’s opening three Premier League games, despite featuring in each fixture. He also scored from the bench against Norwich, yet has not had a settled role so far. Instead featuring on the left and as a false-nine in his cameos.