Why Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling should start for England ahead of Danny Welbeck

Raheem Sterling of England during the Under 19 international friendly match between Germany and England at Stadion an der Lohmuehle

England’s Friday night friendly against Peru probably raised more problems than it solved, but that’s mostly because there were so few problems to be solved.

The defence looked a little shaky and it was worrying that Peru found so many opportunities to test Joe Hart. The attack, meanwhile, looked a little blunt and the three goals essentially came from two set-pieces and one moment of inspiration from Daniel Sturridge. Roy Hodgson’s starting eleven was probably more or less the team that will start the World Cup opener against Italy in Manaus but there are still a couple of positions that are yet to be nailed down.

One of those is on the left wing where Danny Welbeck started and was replaced in the second half by Raheem Sterling, who was also reported to impressed Roy Hodgson during England’s training camp. The pair are in direct competition for a starting berth and both have enjoyed varying seasons for their respective clubs.

Welbeck’s nine Premier League goals, 2013/14.

Starting with Welbeck, the man who is perhaps the slight favourite to start, the Manchester United forward had a productive scoring season at Old Trafford netting nine league goals in the league. However, he hasn’t been used in his favoured striking role too often this term and has only really had his chance when either Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie have been injured.

It is unclear as to why Welbeck didn’t get many opportunities up front but this has led him to consider his future with United. Despite his preference it is clear that Welbeck is more than effective on the left wing. Managers prefer him to play there because of his work rate and willingness to track back. He also offers a goal threat from the left but a concern would be that he only created 13 chances this season.

Sterling created 51 chances last season, compared to Welbeck’s 13

By contrast Raheem Sterling has the same number of goals as Welbeck this season but has created 51 chances this season, registering five assists. Sterling made eight appearances more than Welbeck this season but it could be argued that Sterling had a harder job breaking into the Liverpool first team at the beginning of the campaign.

Sterling has established himself as a key part of Liverpool’s attacking force this season along with Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The 19-year-old finished this season with a Squawka Performance Score of 661 (higher than Welbeck’s 445) and he had an impressive conversion rate of 27.3%. Welbeck’s conversion of 25% is just below Sterling but the former is a striker, the latter isn’t. The two may have scored the same number of goals but that means different things; Welbeck has been criticised for not scoring enough whilst Sterling has been praised for scoring more than was expected.

Sterling is also far better with the ball at his feet and he is undoubtedly a more explosive player. This season Sterling completed 92 successful take-ons this season whereas Welbeck only completed 21.

Sterling was ahead of Denny Welbeck in nearly all categories relating to offence

The Manchester United man wins plaudits for his defensive work but even then the differences between he and Sterling are not as stark as you might imagine. Welbeck has made more interceptions (23 to 20) and clearances (25 to 16) this season but the gap isn’t huge and interestingly Sterling has made over double the number of tackles (32 to 15) that Welbeck has made although that may be down to the fact that Liverpool operate with a far more intense pressing game than Manchester United do.

England boss Roy Hodgson has been praised for selecting young players and he has been adamant that players will be picked on form. If he is to stay true to this mantra then surely Sterling has to start over Welbeck? The Liverpool winger has had a sensational season and he is the sort of player that will make things happen. Welbeck is a talented young player but this hasn’t been a great season for him and in comparison to how Sterling has been playing it seems unfair to leave the Liverpool man out.