Steve Gerrard: Raheem Sterling is going to be a “frightening talent”

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes that Raheem Sterling will be part of Roy Hodgson’s World Cup plans if he continues his “sensational” form, reports the Mirror.

The 19-year-old’s confidence is growing game by game and he plays without fear, displaying a willingness to take on his man despite his tender years. Gerrard knows only too well just how hard the Jamaican born winger is to tackle through experience at Liverpool’s Melwood training complex.

“He is the toughest in our squad. I don’t go near him in training because if I do, there is only one winner!

“He just needs to keep learning and listening to Brendan Rodgers and the experienced players in the dressing room and believing in himself. If he does that, he’ll be all right,” declared Gerrard.

Hailed as the best winger in the country by Rodgers, the case for Sterling to be included in Hodgson’s World Cup squad is gathering pace and the Three Lions’ skipper is adamant the youngster will earn a place on the plane if he continues to produce performances of the highest order.

“He has been in great form over the last couple of months and I’m sure Roy Hodgson is watching him very closely.

“His form of late has been sensational and if he continues that until the end of the season, we will see him at the World Cup.

“Now he just has to get that consistency in his game. If he gets that consistency, he is going to be a frightening talent,” insisted Gerrard.

However, Sterling’s form fizzled out in the second half of last season and he cannot afford any slip ups if he is to jump to the front of the queue and line up alongside team-mates Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge in Brazil.