England boss Roy Hodgson realises he has increased the hype surrounding Liverpool sensation Raheem Sterling after surprisingly calling him up to the national squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
The Three Lions continue their quest to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil after opening their campaign with a comfortable 5-0 win over Moldova on Friday.
However, a succession of injuries to attacking players including Adam Johnson, Ashley Young, and Theo Walcott, who withdrew from the squad due to illness, has led to Hodgson calling up 17-year-old Sterling.
There is increasing excitement surrounding the Liverpool winger following his lively start to the Premier League season; a fine display in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City was followed by another impressive performance in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
While he certainly appears to be a player for the future, Sterling’s call-up to the England squad so soon has been met with a certain degree of skepticism with critics pointing to the fact he only has a handful of senior appearances under his belt.
It is more than likely that Sterling’s call-up is a reaction to Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore’s revelation that he was interested in offering the dual-nationality teenager the chance to play for the Reggae Boys.
And Hodgson suggested as much during a recent press conference in the build-up to tonight’s clash with Ukraine.
“When you bring in a young player who has only burst on to the scene in the last couple of games, I’m causing headlines to be written,” said Hodgson.
“I understand and take that responsibility.
“I’ve spoken to Brendan Rodgers and explained the thinking behind him coming in. I’ll also make it clear to Raheem.
“He will be pretty lucky to get close to the field because there were plenty of players who were chosen in front of him.
“I can only hope he takes it in the right way. He mustn’t think he’s become part of the set-up and has made it. He has to try, next time, to make sure he is one of the original 23.”
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