“Not been razor sharp”- Southgate told why Chelsea star shouldn’t start England’s World Cup opener

Darren Bent feels Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling shouldn’t start for England at the FIFA World Cup vs Iran

Speaking on Talksport Radio (h/t Football.London), former England striker Darren Bent believes Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling should not start the first game of the World Cup against Iran.

Bent says some players are in better form than the 27-year-old to start ahead of him against Iran on December 21. He names his front three as Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kante.

Sterling has struggled for consistency since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in the summer. Chelsea’s inconsistent form and change in manager haven’t helped the cause in adapting to new surroundings.

Sterling has five goals and two assists in 18 appearances in all competitions. He has struggled to score goals regularly or make an impact in the final third game after the game.

Manager Graham Potter has used him in different positions as well, including as a wing-back in a few games. The 27-year-old may have also become a victim of playing in a team that is currently not gelled well and is struggling to find any consistency of its own.

Despite keeping all these things in mind, Sterling does have a good record when playing for England in major tournaments. His partnership with Kane in the Euros was instrumental in the Three Lions reaching the final.

So, Southgate would think twice before benching the 27-year-old in the first game of the World Cup. Generally, managers tend to go with experience in big games, and Sterling has an abundance of it.

He may not be in the best of forms, but the quality and know-how are there to do it on the big stage. His understanding with Kane would also be key in how far England goes in the tournament.

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It would honestly be a surprise if the former Liverpool and Manchester City star is benched against Iran – although the Three Lions do boast a squad that has more than 11 names people don’t expect to see benched.