Rodgers earlier announced that he will not allow Sterling to accept the call-up from the national Under-21 team, saying that it is better for him to stay with the Under-19s. His senior team call-up is due to Theo Walcott and Daniel Sturridge's unavailability due to illness.
Over the phone, Hodgson told Rodgers that he will ensure Sterling's well-being with the seniors, saying that the youngster is the most appealing replacement. He said that he will ensure the winger's composure once he trains with the team and will avoid any heavy expectations from burdening him and his concentration.
Sterling first gained notoriety when he was playign against tough oponnent sides Manchester City and Arsenal in Liverpool's previous Premier League matches this season. His spectacular showing in those matches attracted positive praise, but Rodgers immediately moved to protect the youngster from harbouring too much pressure from people's expectations.
Sir Trevor Booking, head of player development for FA, emphasized that dealing with young players like Sterling should be done with care. His thoughts echoed those of Rodgers, whose experience in dealing with young players as Reading and Chelsea's ex-youth coach led him to unleash the young winger's potential as a two-time starter for Liverpool this season.
According to Booking, young players who perform extraordinarily in at least just one match become instant superstars. Hodgson vowed to keep an eye on Sterling's performance in the team, as his “meteoric” rise to fame might disrupt his development while being a young player.
Hodgson noted that he will watch Sterling's performances in their October fixtures against Poland and San Marino and see if he deserves a permanent place in the 23-man senior team. On the prospect of the youngster's possible move to represent Jamaica – his country of birth, the manager said that he is quite assured of the player's preference to play for England.
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Photo credits:
Raheem Sterling [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 11 September 2012, from < http://www.sport360.com/article/liverpools-raheem-sterling-called-england-squad >
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