Super Sterling hits first England treble | OneFootball

Icon: Manchester City F.C.

Manchester City F.C.

·22 March 2019

Super Sterling hits first England treble

Article image:Super Sterling hits first England treble

The in-form City star scored his first England hat-trick and also won a penalty as the Three Lions thrashed the Czech Republic 5-0 at Wembley.

Sterling opened the scoring with a goal that had Manchester City running throughout in the slick move that came before it and the fact that former Academy graduate Jadon Sancho played an inch-perfect cross to the far post for Sterling to slide home on 24 minutes.


OneFootball Videos


And in first half added time, Sterling burst into the box before being baulked by two Czech defenders and brought to ground - the referee awarded a penalty that Harry Kane dispatched to double England's lead.

After the break, it just got better.

Just past the hour, Kyle Walker threaded a pass through to Sterling that initially looked to have fallen short - but the ball rolled on to Sterling who took his time before swivelling a left-foot into the net from eight yards out.

Raheem, who celebrated his first senior hat-trick against Watford earlier this month, then collected the ball on the right before he cut inside and a curled a deflected shot into the net to complete a memorable hat-trick.

That would be his last act as he left a standing ovation from the 82,000-Wembley crowd.

A late own goal completed a 5-0 win for Gareth Southgate's side who couldn't have kicked off the 2020 European Championship qualifiers any better.

For Sterling, it represented a complete turnaround from the overly-criticised England winger whose every move was scrutinised.

Often an easy target when things didn't go well for the national team, his dignity and determination to win over his doubters will make this evening particularly sweet.

Sterling is now showing the kind of form he displays week in, week out at City.

After the game he said: "It was a beautiful team performance and that's all that matters. I just have more confidence in myself and try and get in good. positions.

"If I had to choose, I'd say the first goal was my favourite because it got me on the score sheet and got m confidence up."

England manager Gareth Southgate added: "He's been electric all week. He's really matured and he took his goals really well so I'm really happy for him - he deserves it."

View publisher imprint