Raheem Sterling has received the backing of both Brendan Rodgers and Daniel Agger to make the step up and become a key part of the England national side’s first team.
Sterling’s sensational form for Liverpool this season has not only begun calls for Roy Hodgson to take him to this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, but for him to be in the starting XI too.
The 19-year-old currently only has one England cap, won in a friendly against Sweden in 2012.
However, after another goal for the Reds against Southampton on Saturday, Rodgers feels Sterling is ready for the world’s stage.
The Liverpool boss is quoted in the Mirror as saying, “I just think that a year or so down the line from his first cap, England will be seeing a player with much greater maturity and a young player who has produced in big games,” said Rodgers.
“He’s a kid who’s just turned 19 but he’s a father now, that brings maturity into your life and he’s coping with that remarkably well.
“You see a young player who’s getting stronger and stronger every day; a young player who, tactically, has improved his level impressively.”
Should Sterling be selected to play in this Wednesday’s international friendly between England and Denmark at Wembley, he will come face to face with Anfield teammate Daniel Agger.
The Danish captain also believes Sterling has shown the maturity to succeed at international level.
“He can handle the pressure, or else he would not play for us, for Liverpool. It’s a great opportunity for him,” said Agger to Sky Sports News.
“If he continues what he is doing right now I cannot see why not (for the World Cup squad).
“He is a great, great talent and has some qualities England can use.”
England v Denmark gets underway at 8pm on Wednesday, 5th March 2014. Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge are also included in Hodgson’s squad.
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