England have eventually broken the 55 year old Jinx and have made their first appearance in a Final of a major tournament since 1966 and are on the verge of going all the way to be Champions of Europe as they face Italy in the decider at Wembley on Sunday. The whole nation is in a frenzy as their wait for the crown draws closer.
However the Semi Final against the Danes witnessed mixed reactions from all over the world. Though England rejoiced in their victory, a large population across the world had lots of good words for the Danish Team who played with great heart in the Tournament. And in particularly Raheem Sterling’s fall in the Danish Box leading to the penalty has come up for huge criticism. The penalty was converted by Harry Kane off a rebound as the first shot was saved by Kasper Schmeichel (in my opinion the best goalkeeper in the world as of now), leading to England’s victory. Some of the comments were severe on Raheem Sterling alleging him for faking the fall to get the Penalty.
However, I have a different take on the matter. Notwithstanding Raheem’s controversial dive and the eventual penalty, he has been the talismanic player for England in this Euro Championships, without a doubt. His tremendous pace, incisive run ins, and consistency in scoring has added teeth to the England line up. He has been a real threat upfront in this competition. He has already scored 3 goals and has made one assist and has also helped to get a penalty. Effectively 5 goals have come through Raheem Sterling in the 10 scored so far by England, such has been the impact of Raheem.
Therefore the huge criticism about the player appears to be unfair particularly in the light of his sterling performances. Raheem has been doing well right through the year and played can important role in Manchester City winning the English Premium League. He has surely improved over the years and particularly his goal scoring abilities have gone a notch higher. His speed and dribbling abilities were never in doubt.
I am certain that Italy would be wary of Raheem Sterling’s form and would surely have made plans to subdue the lightning forward. Italy known for their strengths in defence over the years and coached by Roberto Mancini would be a difficult proposition for England. However a confident England side led by Harry Kane and a sterling Raheem to boot, have a slight edge over Italy and I am expecting a cracker of a game to decide the Champions of Europe. Italy too have a historic Sunday awaiting them. Along with their football team playing in the Euro Finals, Matteo Berrettini, the only Italian tennis player male or female to have made to the Finals of Wimbledon, would be clashing with Novak Djokovic for a historic Wimbledon title.
What a Sunday it’s going to be. Can Raheem put in another sterling performance and take England home. Whatever may be the outcome, Raheem Sterling is England’s player of the Tournament.
Go Raheem…make it stir.