England Boss Under No Pressure to Rest Raheem Sterling

While his inclusion is sure to invoke the ire of Liverpool supporters around the world, winger Raheem Sterling looks set to be included in the starting eleven when England run out against Lithuania in a Euro-2016 qualifier tomorrow despite picking up a toe injury in the loss to Manchester United at the weekend.

With Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard set to sit out the Reds next three matches through suspension and with Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana picking up knocks in the process, the Anfield outfit could be light on players when they visit the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal next weekend. Should Sterling aggravate his injury, Liverpool could be pushed even farther into the weeds, but Three Lion’s boss Roy Hodgson has hinted that he may allow the youngster to sit out Tuesday’s friendly with Italy — though, he’d like you to know, he’s under no obligation or under no pressure to do so.

“If it’s possible with the players we have to allow him to go back, we will allow him to do that. I’m not being under pressure in that respect, I must make that clear,” explained the England manager, hinting that Sterling could return to Liverpool before his side face off against the Azzurri. “We think about players and their health. It’s an interesting run-in for Liverpool – they have a lot of to play for. He is a massive player for us in the June matches, and going forward, so we will talk with him, the doctors and Liverpool then hopefully we will make a wise decision.”

Hodgson, of course, isn’t thinking of just the Reds in his scheming. With a number of important matches coming up in June for the national side, the former Fulham manager will be hoping that Sterling will be able to meet up with the rest of the England squad fresh as a daisy as they bid to seal up qualification for next summer’s showpiece event. Hopefully by then he’ll have a nice new, and no doubt lucrative, contract at Anfield as well…