Raheem Sterling scored twice in 22 minutes as England beat Spain 3-2 in the Nations League on October 15, 2018, a first-half masterclass widely regarded as one of their best under Gareth Southgate and arguably Sterling's finest display in an England shirt. Marcus Rashford also scored, with Harry Kane up front, in what remains England's last victory over the current world champions.
Sterling's Peak and Early Success
Sterling arrived in Seville on the back of a three-year goal drought for England, yet delivered an exceptional performance at the peak of his powers. He later won numerous trophies with Manchester City, was England's best player at the Euros in 2021, and is remembered for his pace, skill, close control and dynamism.
His career, however, went downhill after his £50m move to Chelsea in 2022. Still only 31 and 16 months younger than England captain Kane, he now finds himself without a club and in limbo. His low point came in May when he was arrested and later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and possessing nitrous oxide.
Life After Chelsea
Sterling was 27 when he left City for Chelsea in the summer of 2022, with Thomas Tuchel in charge and the club selling him a dream. A contract was on the table at City, but Pep Guardiola warned him there might be less playing time, and he chose Chelsea. For the first two years it was okay, but then Tuchel left and Sterling went to the 2022 World Cup, where the last of his 82 caps came, though the tournament was overshadowed by a break-in at his home.
By the summer of 2024, Chelsea dropped him entirely, making clear he was no longer in their plans, a sudden change that was a massive blow. An unhappy year at Arsenal followed, where Mikel Arteta failed to deliver on game-time, and he was dropped by Southgate. Feyenoord signed him in February 2026, with Robin van Persie offering a multi-year contract, but Sterling chose to prove himself.
Reflections and Legacy
Sterling now appears on social media with posts about the Raheem Sterling Foundation and The Football Cage project, which helps kids play as he did growing up in the shadow of Wembley before moving to Liverpool as a teenager. He is described as a sensitive soul with a touch of shyness, yet he became a powerful voice on racism in football and a respected figure in the game.
After the Croatia game in this weekend's international break, Sterling spoke about ending his goal drought: “The main thing now is to keep trying to be a goal threat,” he said. “When I was a bit younger, I wasn’t too interested in scoring goals, I was all about trying to look nice and show people I’ve got a lot of ability. I think I’m probably more driven now to be able to get on the end of things, being in the box a lot more.”
“Before, I was going wide, trying to beat a player and now I’m trying to get on the end of stuff, being around for scraps and trying to make goals for myself. I’m much more confident when I’m in and around the penalty area now so I feel the goals will come for England as they have been doing for City.”
Ahead of arguably his best game in an England shirt, there were only dreams and targets, and it is worth remembering that before the crash he achieved almost all of them.
