Arsenal Legend Tips Liverpool Wonderkid To Shine At FIFA World Cup Finals

Posted by

Henry says Anfield youngster is “excellent”.

Check in to England vs Italy

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry reckons that Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling could have a big impact on this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Teenager Sterling will make just his fifth senior international appearance if he plays for England in tonight’s Group D clash with Italy.

However, Henry is confident that the 19-year-old is ready to star on the football’s grandest stage of all.

Speaking on BBC Sport, Henry said: “I would like to see Sterling out there – I like him.

“He played ever so well with Liverpool in the last three months. Hopefully he can perform.”

The Sun quotes Henry as saying “I obviously know the Arsenal guys in Jack [Wilshere] and Alex [Oxlade Chamberlain], but Sterling for me is excellent.

“I remember when people were having a go at him for not being mature.

“Now he is in the England squad and is showing he is mature enough.”

Sterling played 33 Premier League matches for Liverpool this season, including nine as a substitute. He scored nine goals and provided five assists.

The Jamaica-born speedster completed 92 dribbles, made 52 key passes and won 63 free-kicks.

Sterling is expected to start for England in Manaus tonight, alongside Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, just behind Daniel Sturridge.

Kick off is at 11pm UK time and you can follow all the action live on CaughtOffside with our blow-by-blow text commentary.

Henry, who is Arsenal’s all-time record goalscorer, played at four World Cups, before retiring from international football four years ago.

He scored 51 times in 123 senior appearances for Les Bleus.

SEE ALSO: The Fastest Players on Fifa 14

More Stories Arsenal FC England football Liverpool FC World Cup