Does Raheem Sterling deserve to go to Euro 2016?

Despite costing his current employers somewhere in the region of £50 million over the course of the summer transfer window, Raheem Sterling hasn’t exactly hit the ground running with Manuel Pellegrini’s expensively assembled squad this season with all things fairly taken into account.

 

The former Liverpool youngster hasn’t performed 'badly' with any relevant stretch of the imagination, but as many believed that Manchester City had captured themselves a potentially world class asset in the quick-footed 21-year-old last summer, perhaps it’s fair to say that the 2015/16 campaign must go down as a somewhat forgettable one for Raheem Sterling thus far.

 

So then, whilst the word ‘potential’ still seemingly rings true for Sterling in these admittedly early stages of his top-flight career, does the current Etihad attacker really deserve to be on the plane for Euro 2016 in the summer?

 

Well, even though Roy Hodgson doesn’t quite represent the boldest managerial figurehead currently operating within the modern era, perhaps the ex-Fulham, Liverpool and West Brom boss could see fit to cast Raheem Sterling aside when it comes to finally picking his squad for Euro 2016…

 

just made my 23 man squad for Euro 2016. Forgot about Sterling. Hope Hodgson does the same

— Liam (@LiamHaydn) February 6, 2016

 

…and it seems patience for the £50 million man may in-fact be running out ahead of next summer’s highly anticipated tournament…

 

I hope Sterling is no where near our Euro 2016 starting line up

— Matthew Cox (@coxiraghi) December 29, 2015

 

There are those who would nonetheless like to see Raheem Sterling included in the final Euro 2016 selection however…

 

I would start Sterling, Alli and Walcott behind Kane in Euro 2016.

— Chris Franklin (@CFranklin84) December 26, 2015

 

…even if the current Manchester City wide-man isn’t necessarily guaranteed to start for the Three Lions with all things considered…

 

Vardy and Kane are the top two scorers in the BPL, Rooney on fire as is Alli. Throw in Sterling and Barkley, looks good for Euro 2016.

— broFLGaming (@broFLGaming) February 3, 2016

 

Some actually expect the former Anfield favourite to thrive at the competition in light of his undoubted potential among the English game…

 

RAHEEM STERLING TOP ENGLAND GOALSCORER AT EURO 2016 – 14/1

*TAPS NOSE*

— Pug (@Tigermilk20) February 3, 2016

 

…but not everyone seemingly feels the same way out there…

 

Sterling is an example that England players are overrated

— UGOJNR #COYG (@TheOnlyFelix) February 6, 2016

 

And after Manchester City’s disappointing loss at home to Leicester City this weekend, surely Roy Hodgson’s earlier presumptions have to be shaken up a little ahead of Euro 2016…

 

On today's showing, if sterling is an England regular, surely drinkwater and albrighton deserve a call up?

— Scott Loach (@S1goalkeeping) February 6, 2016

 

In any case, some just can’t seem to get over how much money Raheem Sterling eventually went for in the summer, and how such a burden has subsequently effected the player throughout the 2015/16 campaign so far…

 

How Sterling plays for England, is worth £49mil and gets £180k a week is beyond me, most overrated player in English football

— Glenn Simons (@GlennSpursFC) January 27, 2016

 

…with certain opinions on the wide-man remaining somewhat more unorthodox than others…

 

Might be a bit early to talk about an England recall for Lennon but on form he's a better option than Sterling.

— Neil (@spuddy1878) February 7, 2016

 

However, despite the backlash surrounding Sterling and his highly coveted decision to part ways with Liverpool Football Club over the summer, most believe England would stand a far better chance at Euro 2016 with the winger solidly involved among the action…

 

Vardy Kane Alli Sterling.. England have a hella powerful attack.

— rai. (@raihaansodagar) February 2, 2016

 

Perhaps Euro 2016 will provide Raheem Sterling with just the right kind of opportunity to show the people of England – and the rest of Europe in general – just how effective this current Manchester City star can certainly prove on his day.

 

For now though, the final decision ultimately lies with one man, and one man only…