BBC Sport is reporting that Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling is set to be handed a starting role in England’s opening World Cup fixture against Italy.
The highly rated winger did not appear to be in Roy Hodgson’s plans for a starting berth as Adam Lallana and Danny Welbeck were tipped to start on the wing.
And Sterling did himself no favours by getting sent off during the Ecuador friendly, meaning he could not take part in the final warm-up fixture against Honduras.
Nevertheless, latest reports from England camp are suggesting Hodgson has changed his mind and he now plans to start the youngster against Italy, with Adam Lallana likely to make way.
Having been placed in a very difficult group, the Three Lions will have to start their campaign on a bright note if they want to avoid crashing out in group stage and they are 3.00 (2/1) to defeat the Azzurri.
Captain Steven Gerrard has picked up a minor groin injury, but he is expected to be ready for the high-profile clash against Italy.
England were eliminated by the Azzurri in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals after penalties and this will be a perfect opportunity to get revenge on Cesare Prandelli’s charges.
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