Echo: Sterling offers glimpse into future

On a night when England's past and present were honoured, it was Raheem Sterling who offered a glimpse into what the future may hold for Roy Hodgson's side.

Aged 17 years and 341 days, the Liverpool winger became the fifth-youngest England debutant of all time last night, one of three new faces in Hodgson's side as they 4-2 to Sweden in Stockholm.

his was Steven Gerrard's night, of course, as he became just the sixth player to earn 100 caps for his country. But, 15 years his junior, his young Liverpool colleague can savour the latest stage of what has been a meteoric rise to prominence over the past few months.

Starting on the right of a three-man attack, and supported from full-back by his clubmate Glen Johnson, the rookie saw plenty of the ball, displaying a willingness to run at Martin Olsson whenever the chance arose. It earned him a few bumps and bruises as the Swede looked to get to grips with him.

It was a foul by Olsson which brought about the free kick from which Steven Caulker - another debutant - gave England the lead at 2-1. Sterling had already played his part in Danny Welbeck's equaliser, angling a fine pass out to Ashley Young from a central position.

He was a quieter presence after the break, though rarely wasteful in possession.

And to complete 84 minutes for England, at 17, is some achievement. One suspects it won't be the last we see of Raheem Shaquille Sterling on this stage.

Source: Liverpool Echo