Raheem Sterling scored the only goal in England’s opening game against Croatia.
The Manchester City winger has now scored 13 goals in his last 17 England games.
Sterling who has struggled for Manchester City in the past few months has convinced Southgate with his goalscoring record to keep faith in him.
Gareth Southgate explains how Sterling has earned an opportunity to prove his worth due to his previous international goal-scoring record.
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Southgate said: “Raheem has had this hex in the tournaments and not being able to get the goal, I felt he was dangerous all day, right from the start he was a thorn in their side. I’m really pleased for all of them.
“He is a good player, his goal-scoring record suggests we should have faith with him, especially in the last few years.
“We know we’re going to need that depth. We’re going to need all those attacking players and there were a couple who didn’t get on today.
“We will need those guys through the tournament.”
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