Raheem Sterling: Manchester City, England forward expected to start Euro 2020 opener against Croatia - reports
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ByEurosport
Published 12/06/2021 at 08:47 GMT
Raheem Sterling, who was awarded an MBE for services to racial equality on Friday, will reportedly be in the starting XI for England against Croatia on Sunday despite falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City last season. Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire are both expected to not be in the starting XI due to fitness concerns.
'We have to do better as a society' - Raheem Sterling on his MBE
Raheem Sterling is set to start England's Euro 2020 opener against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, according to reports.
The 26-year-old started England's latest World Cup qualifying victory against Poland on March 31 and has played in the Three Lions' last 25 competitive games.
The one exception was a qualifier against Montenegro in November 2019 after an altercation with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez at St George's Park.
According to The Telegraph, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford could be set for the substitutes bench with in-form 21-year-old Phil Foden tipped to round out a front three. England captain Harry Kane is expected to lead the line.
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‘Jack Grealish is first name on team sheet’
Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson are both injury doubts for the tournament opener on Sunday afternoon which could see Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings partner John Stones in central defence.
On Maguire's fitness, England boss Gareth Southgate said: "He is progressing really well.
"It is still a long shot, but we are still checking in daily and he is further ahead than he thought he might be at this point. So we are certainly not going to rule it out."
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