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Raheem Sterling is under pressure to keep England place, says Jamie Redknapp

England's midfielder Raheem Sterling played 87 minutes against Russia
Image: England's midfielder Raheem Sterling played 87 minutes against Russia

Jamie Redknapp thinks Raheem Sterling is under pressure to keep his England place after his performance against Russia.

Sterling played 87 minutes as England conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 in their Group B opener against Russia.

Roy Hodgson's men created plenty of chances throughout the contest, with Eric Dier making the breakthrough from a free kick in the 73rd minute before Russia captain Vasili Berezutski salvaged a dramatic draw.

Redknapp saw plenty of positives in the performance, highlighting Dier's role in midfield, but was disappointed with Sterling's showing and feels he could be dropped for England's next game against Wales on Thursday.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 11:  Raheem Sterling of England is challenged by Igor Smolnikov of Russia during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between England
Image: Sterling is under pressure to keep his place, says Redknapp

"One player that might be under pressure is Raheem Sterling," he said. 

"He didn't play as well as he would've liked. He was the only player that didn't play at the level - he did OK at times and his pace can stretch teams.

"One of the real positives was Eric Dier - I thought he was fantastic and looks like he's getting better and better. If he carries on improving, then he's got that England captaincy look about him. He looks like a captain.

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"He's got so much authority in the way that he players and is super bright. Every good thing England did seemed to revolve around him. I was very impressed."

England had nine shots against Russia in the first half, their most in a single half at a European Championship finals since 2004 and Wayne Rooney went close in the second period as England continued to dominate. 

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However, despite the many positives on show from England, Redknapp isn't getting too carried away about their outright tournament chances.

"It was a missed opportunity - England played very well but we was playing against a very poor Russian side," he said. 

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Vasili Berezutski (C) of Russia celebrates as his header assisting his team's first goal with his team mates Aleksandr Kokorin
Image: Vasili Berezutski (C) of Russia celebrates his late equaliser

"They were there for the taking.

"The players and staff will have woken up this morning with regrets - they had so much more possession and were by far the better team. However, if you don't defend right until the last second, you will concede goals. You have to kill teams off. We lack killer instinct." 

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