World Cup 2018: 5 big-name players who need to step up for their nation

#2 Raheem Sterling (England)

England's number 10 Raheem Sterling will need to perform on the world's biggest stage if he is to be regarded as one of the greats

Raheem Sterling took the 2017-18 Premier League season by storm after scoring a career-high 23 goals also bagging 13 assists for Manchester City. He gathered a lot of praise from manager Pep Guardiola throughout the season as he formed a key component of the side that broke records with ease last season.

England have got off to a flyer in this edition of the World Cup ripping their opponents apart ruthlessly. Sterling, however, has managed just 1 assist in 2 starts for the Three Lions and has faced much criticism from the fans for his subdued performances in the international outfit.

His last goal for England came in 2015 and if England are to mount a serious challenge at the World Cup, the goal-shy English attacker has to find the form that saw him reignite his career under Guardiola. His finishing, in particular, needs to improve.

England face Belgium next in their last match of the World Cup group stages which could be a pretty interesting and end to end clash. Their real test begins from here as the knockout rounds of the tournament are soon approaching and if Sterling is to be regarded as one of the greats, he will need to perform for the Three Lions like he did for the blue half of Manchester last season.