Beckham isn’t the only one to have come out in support of the under-fire winger. What are your thoughts?
England winger Raheem Sterling (Photo: AFP)
Former England skipper David Beckham has called on fans to stop slanging Raheem Sterling after the jet-heeled winger came in for a barrage of criticism following the Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Sweden in their 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-final.
Despite playing in his second World Cup, the Manchester City forward is yet to score at the quadrennial tournament.
Advertisement
While he finally got an assist at the ongoing edition, his performances have not been up to scratch and many fans have called on Gareth Southgate to drop him in favour of Marcus Rashford.
Advertisement
However, the England manager is hesitant to change what has been a winning formula in Russia and Sterling is odds on to retain his place in the lineup when the Three Lions take on Croatia in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
Sterling has never been a popular figure in England, with many Liverpool fans still not over his acrimonious departure to Manchester City two seasons ago.
The fact that he got a gun tattooed on his right leg in the buildup to the World Cup didn’t exactly help matters and while his first-person account with the Players’ Tribune did make people empathise with him, he remains a divisive figure in his homeland.
DON’T MISS | Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus issues statement following exit
A majority of pundits, mostly ex-footballers, have been unequivocal in their support for the Jamaican-born wideman though.
From Gary Neville to Robbie Savage, there has been no shortage of important voices requesting fans to stop with the abuse and Beckham waded into the debate on Instagram:
Sterling’s never quite been clinical up top, but his immense work-rate and prodigious speed ensures he’s always getting another chance to make amends.
MUST READ | Belgium winger Eden Hazard prepares for France clash with fresh trim
Going by the law of averages, he’s bound to break his duck soon and might just score against Croatia to mark England’s first World Cup semi-final appearance since 1990.
The Three Lions’ last-four tie is on Wednesday night (23.30 IST).
Advertisement
