Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp has claimed that Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling can be the "perfect number 10" for the Three Lions.
Sterling has managed 20 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances for City in all competitions this season.
The 23-year-old has largely operated in a wide position for his club, but England boss Gareth Southgate selected him in a central attacking position during the recent international break.
Redknapp has said that Sterling can be "the perfect 10" for England at this summer's World Cup.
"For years now, I have bemoaned the lack of English No.10s coming through the ranks," Redknapp told the Daily Mail.
"You look at Spain and the names trip off the tongue: Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Isco, David Silva. There is a conveyor belt of Spanish creative geniuses. In Raheem Sterling, however, England may finally have the closest thing to a master manipulator on the ball.
"Sterling starts wide on the right for Manchester City but in England's friendlies last week he was the perfect 10. He oozed class as he strolled around the Wembley turf against Italy — linking the play, putting people through, driving England forwards.
"International football is often tense and cagey but Sterling allowed England to breathe in possession."
England will wrap up their preparations for this summer's tournament when they take on Nigeria and Costa Rica in friendlies at the start of June.
Matt Law
