England v Wales: Drop Raheem Sterling for crunch Euro 2016 clash, says Charlie Nicholas
Thursday 16 June 2016 13:39, UK
Charlie Nicholas believes Roy Hodgson should drop Raheem Sterling and bring in Jack Wilshere for England's crunch Euro 2016 clash with Wales on Thursday.
Manchester City winger Sterling, who endured a tough second half of the Premier League season, scoring just twice since the turn of the year, was criticised in some sections for his performance in England's 1-1 draw with Russia.
And though Wilshere, who hit back at Gareth Bale's claims the England side lack the passion of his Welsh team-mates was dogged by injuries last term, Nicholas believes he is well suited for the key Group B fixture in Lens.
The Soccer Saturday pundit said: "I have to say one thing about Roy in that I thought he picked an attacking team against Russia which didn't do a lot wrong, so I wouldn't change much.
"I think the one player that didn't merit a start was Sterling after what was a really poor season. I covered a lot of Manchester City games last term and thought that Sterling would kick on after scoring that hat-trick against Bournemouth but he really failed to do so.
"He's not playing with the same purpose and cleverness as he did at Liverpool and he's more about just running into space - of which there won't be much against Wales - than taking on players.
"I know people will say, 'What's Wilshere done to deserve to start?' But he's a top-class footballer and can help get the best out of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Adam Lallana."
Nicholas, who joined those questioning why Kane is taking corners, believes Hodgson needs to braver in his substitutions.
"I've made my views on Hodgson being too cautious in the past pretty clear," he added.
"And while it was an attacking starting line-up, they could have wrapped up the win by being more adventurous.
"Why not bring on Vardy? England didn't score until the 73rd minute and there was still no sign of Vardy. He would've relished facing that ageing Russia backline. For me, that's why England won't win the tournament."
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