9/10/2012

England call up teenager Sterling


Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Raheem Sterling has been called into the England squad for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
Midfielders Jake Livermore, 22, of Tottenham, and Southampton's Adam Lallana, 24, have also been brought in by manager Roy Hodgson.
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been ruled out through illness.
He missed Monday's training session along with Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge, who remains with the squad.


Chelsea defenders John Terry and Ashley Cole are both unavailable for the Group H tie at Wembley because of ankle injuries.
Hodgson said Walcott, who has picked up a bug and been violently ill, has returned to his club but he hopes Sturridge will recover in time from stomach cramps.
"I can only hope nothing is going round the squad. That was why we were quite keen to get Theo home as soon as possible and also keep Daniel away from the squad. I have to hope it's just an isolated case with the two players," said the manager.
He said the trio who had been drafted into the squad were unlikely to feature in Tuesday's match.
"It was a good opportunity to invite some young players to come in and be part of the atmosphere," said Hodgson.


Captain Steven Gerrard welcomed the addition of Sterling, who has started twice for Liverpool in the league this season and made three substitute appearances towards the end of the last campaign.
"I think he deserves this call-up. The impact he's made has been sensational," said Gerrard. "He's been one of our shining lights. The important thing is he keeps his feet on the ground. I think it won't be long before he's in the set-up for real."


Jamaica-born Sterling has been offered the chance to play for the country of his birth, but has represented England at Under-19, Under-17 and Under-16 level.
Last month England Under-16s head coach Kenny Swain said Liverpool could expect "big things" from the pacy Sterling.



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