ESPN FC pundit Steve Nicol believes that Raheem Sterling's impressive display in Chelsea's recent 4-1 victory over Burnley was a response to his omission from the latest England squad.
England manager Gareth Southgate has overlooked the winger for the upcoming games against Australia and Italy, and Nicol believes that Sterling used this exclusion as a motivational tool in Chelsea's triumph at Turf Moor.
While the reasons behind Sterling's outstanding performance can be debated, Nicol emphasises that the key takeaway is Sterling's ability to deliver when it matters most.
ESPN pundit Steve Nicol said:
“I think it’s pretty straightforward what’s sparking this: not getting picked for England. I mean, it’s one thing not to be picked, it’s another thing when it’s all over the papers, it’s all over the media.
“And quite frankly, from the player’s point of view, it’s a little bit embarrassing, particularly when you were not just a regular in the England squad, but an absolute regular starter for your country. So that absolutely fuelled his flame and he produced.”
Not only did Sterling score and assist against Burnley, but he also played a key role in the Clarets' own goal. On top of that, the 28-year-old won the penalty that sent his team into the lead.
These contributions were instrumental in Chelsea's victory, and ESPN's Nicol argues that this is what truly matters.
Chelsea's momentum continues to grow
Chelsea's recent win over Fulham, followed by their victory against Burnley, has given the team a much-needed boost. After a shaky start to the season, these wins have instilled a sense of confidence and momentum in the team.
The team's morale would have taken a hit had they lost to Burnley after their win at Craven Cottage. However, thanks to Sterling's contributions, Chelsea managed to maintain their momentum and are now looking forward to their next match against Arsenal with renewed optimism.
Sterling's performance has not only helped Chelsea secure a crucial win but also set a positive tone for the upcoming matches. Whether his England snub was the catalyst for this performance or not, Sterling has proven his worth on the field.
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