‘If Sterling didn’t have pace he’d be playing for Exeter’

Matt Stead

We have found it: the most ridiculous football-only criticism of Raheem Sterling. Thank you, Vinnie Jones.

Sterling has faced intense – and largely ridiculous – scrutiny this summer as an integral part of England’s progression to the World Cup semi-finals.

The 23-year-old is yet to score at the tournament however, and his record of two goals in 42 England games has been justifiably questioned.

But much of the criticism has, according to Gary Neville, been “absolutely disgusting“, while David Beckham has weighed in too.

Then again, perhaps we are all the problem.

But Jones, the bastion of football knowledge that he is, believes Sterling would be nothing without his pace.

“I know there’s been a lot of criticism for Sterling,” he told talkSPORT.

“He is getting in all the right positions, but sometimes you look at Sterling and you think, if he didn’t have that pace he’d be playing for Exeter or someone.

“For me, Vardy would have scored. He would have knocked that one in over the top, he’s got a great touch, I’m a big Vardy fan, I think he would have scored a couple against Sweden.”

This just in: if Harry Kane didn’t have his shooting ability he’d be playing for Mansfield Town. And if Vinnie Jones couldn’t act he’d be, well…