Raheem Sterling takes a sensible approach to World Cup pressure

LFC winger, Raheem Sterling, is taking a sensible approach to the pressure of playing for his National side in the world cup. He has spoken today about his memories of watching Michael Owen make his International debut in 1998 and says that while he was impressed by the then Liverpool player, he won’t be trying to replicate his success simply to prove a point.

19 year old Sterling, who has just completed a fantastic season playing for the reds, plans on enjoying the World Cup experience as much as possible while remaining calm under the inevitable pressure it is sure to place on him and his team mates. Raheem hopes to line up against fellow LFC players Steven Gerrard , Daniel Sturridge , Jordan Henderson and Glen Johnson in the England squad. The youngster remembers Steven Gerrard’s goal against the USA in the 2010 tournament and says it is his first World Cup memory.

Speaking of the possibility that he may feature in Roy Hodgsons opening line up he said:

“I’m just working hard and anything can happen,”

“I’m not going to say I’m going to do this amazing thing, but I’ll definitely go out on the pitch and give 100 per cent and hopefully what I try to do will come off and work. But I’m not going to put pressure on myself and say I’ll do what Michael Owen did.”

Showing he already has a clear understanding of Liverpool’s mantra that no one player is bigger than the team, he continued:

“It’s a World Cup and is every kid’s dream. If I get selected I’ll just go into the game as I have done in every game this season, purely to help my teammates.

“If anyone needs help then I ‘ll track back and work as a team player. Going forward then I’ll try to do my best and create something for my team, so I won’t be fazed by anything.”

“The first World Cup I can really remember was the last one when Steven opened the scoring in the first game,” he recalled.

“I was sitting at home eating pizza and at half time went out for a little kick about to try and imitate these guys. I’ve always loved playing football and loved scoring goals. Hopefully I can get selected, from what I’ve seen on the telly it looks amazing. But I just want to try and get games and do the country proud.”





