Teenager Sterling gives England hope at World Cup

Four years ago, Raheem Sterling was watching the World Cup eating pizza with his friends. Now, the 19-year-old Liverpool winger is the pick of the skilful newcomers giving England hope after its opening loss to Italy. But personal plaudits seemed inconsequential to the Londoner, who didn’t want to dwell on the 2-1 defeat in which his vision was exemplified by opening up the Italian defense in the leadup to Daniel Sturridge’s goal. Losing admirably won’t do again on Thursday against Uruguay, which opened Group D with a more demoralizing collapse to Costa Rica.

It was unlucky that we didn’t get the win, but I thought we played some good stuff at times and definitely on Thursday we will be going at it again.

Raheem Sterling, England winger