The Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern were delighted to see two of their own, namely John Stones and Raheem Sterling play their part in England’s last-sixteen victory over Colombia on Tuesday night, but they were frustrated by the scathing criticism directed towards the latter in the aftermath of proceedings.
For reasons relating to both his footballing performances and his personal life, Sterling seems to be the British media’s go to punch bag whenever they need to vent some frustration, which is seemingly on a daily basis.
Although Sterling was far from his scintillating best on Tuesday night within an unfamiliar system and playing against a compact unit who were intent on fouling him every time he was on the ball, there’s no doubt he was willing to collect the ball in tight areas and attempt to force the issue.
In the aftermath of proceedings, the former City fan-favourite, namely Kevin Horlock, delivered his personal assessment on Sterling’s contribution and voiced his admiration for the 23-year-old’s desire to take risks.
Sterling will never win everyone over..he is a quick,hardworking and a risk taker that occupies and frightens opposition giving other players the space to play and use their different attributes,it won’t always come off individually for him but don’t underestimate his effect
— Kevin Horlock (@Kevinhorlock6) July 4, 2018
And if the reaction on Twitter is anything to go by, it seems that Horlock’s opinion is one which is widely echoed across the City fan base who have warmed to Sterling in the past two seasons after a relatively slow start to his life in Manchester.
With another chance to impress against Sweden on Sunday, Sterling could yet win over the critical British media, but if history is anything to go by it seems he will need to single-handedly carry the team to World Cup glory to stimulate a significant change in the general attitude.
Here’s what the City fans had to say in response to Horlock’s tweet…
As soon as Razza went off and Southgate brought on Vardy and Dier we morphed into Stoke City .
— Dodge (@rgardom1) July 4, 2018
Well said super Kev
— Blue Ged (@blueged) July 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/JODea39/status/1014483936335056896
Spot on, Kev. Well said.
— Wolfen512 (@Wolfen512) July 4, 2018
Agree with all that but the cold hard facts are he bought his mum a sink from B&M which is quite frankly unforgivable.
— Scott (@ST_1982) July 4, 2018
Couldn't agree more Kevin but I fear you're wasting your time!
— Neil Warren (@noggsy87) July 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/GregHayden16/status/1014470851251658753
Well said Kevin, it's a team game and we were better with him.
— Nidge Bourgess (@nezzer1968) July 4, 2018
