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Raheem Sterling goal: England star praised as rival David De Gea left with ‘no chance’
RAHEEM STERLING scored his first England goal for over three years against Spain this evening - and his strike had the commentators purring.
Spain vs England: Sterling reflects on HUGE win for Three Lions
Sterling opened the scoring for England in their Nations League clash in Seville.
The Manchester City winger has suffered heavy criticism for failing to convert his goalscoring from from club football onto the international stage.
He had scored just two goals in his 45 caps for England before tonight’s match.
But in the 16th minute against Spain he put that right with a fine finish past Manchester United rival David De Gea in goal.
Spain vs England LIVE: UEFA Nations League latest
De Gea, no chance with that. Just what Raheem Sterling needed. Beautiful
Marcus Rashford fed Sterling through on goal with a delightful pass.
And Sterling smashed across David De Gea to end the 23-year-old’s barren run.
Former England striker Alan Smith was co-commentating on the game and was seriously impressed with the finish.
“Well it’s not the strike of a man that has been suffering in front of goal,” Smith said on Sky Sports.
“What a ball from Rashford. I thought it was tight to being offside, but what about that for a finish.
“It’s as if he has been scoring every week for his country.
“He’s onside, top marks to Rashford for the well-weighted pass.
“De Gea, no chance with that. Just what Raheem Sterling needed. Beautiful.”
Commentator Martin Tyler said it was relief for manager Gareth Southgate as well as Sterling.
“He’s had to live with it, and Gareth Southgate to some extent as well,” Tyler commented.
He scored another late in the first half to put England 3-0 up after Rashford had also scored.
Sterling's first England goal came against Lithuania in March 2015.
His only other came against Estonia in October the same year.