Raheem Sterling has risen to every obstacle in his career and Gareth Southgate fully expects the forward to overcome the “next challenge” of flourishing for England.
A shining light as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City romped to the Premier League title last term, there were naturally high hopes that the 23-year-old would take that form into the World Cup.
Sterling impressed in parts but was unable to make a telling impact in front of goal in Russia, with the forward’s goalless run extending to an eye-watering 27 matches in Friday’s goalless Nations League draw against Croatia.
That night he was substituted for the fifth match in succession, but Southgate backed Sterling to shine for the Three Lions as he looks to score his first international goal in 1,102 days against Spain.
“If we had the answer to that, we’d probably have resolved it a few games ago,” Southgate said ahead of Monday’s Nations League clash in Seville.
“What do we do? We’ve got to keep getting him in the right positions. We’ve got to create chances for him and he’s got to keep getting in the right areas.
“The other night I don’t really remember him (having a chance).
“There was a ball that flashed across the box and he was just in behind the defender when he’s got to try to get across the front of those if he can.
“But I think it is going to be a confidence thing that when the goal comes he will go on a scoring run.
“For all our attacking players, we’ve got to make sure we are creating chances and that we are in the right areas and then they’ve just got to go and finish them.”
Asked if confidence was an issue with Sterling, Southgate said: “I don’t think his confidence is low, but I think there are times when maybe you can think a little bit too much about what you’re doing in certain moments.
“It’s about having the freedom just to hit things.
“This is one of the big challenges of international football. You know with your club – well, with his club – you get another five chances in the next 10 or 15 minutes.
“You get fewer chances with us and you have sporadic games, so you don’t get another go next week.
“This is part of dealing with international football and that is his next challenge.
“But I have to say every challenge that has been put in front of him throughout his career – new players coming in, for example, over the last couple of years (at City) – he’s risen to those challenges.
“He’s been tough enough to deal with those challenges and I expect him to come through this.”
