World Cup 2018: Three things England must change in order to reach the final

#2 Raheem Sterling

Sterling has not replicated his Manchester City form

Southgate needs to drop him and go with other attacking options. Marcus Rashford is an energetic and fast striker who makes good forward runs and is a typical defender's nightmare.

Although he too has had scoring issues, Rashford can open up the play for other players to apply the final touch.

Jamie Vardy is a clinical striker who can also do the job. Vardy does not need a second invitation to find the target.

At the moment. either of those players stand a better chance to influence the game than Sterling. Only time will tell if Southgate sticks to his blind loyalty to Sterling or not.

Sterling is undoubtedly a top talent and came into this World Cup on the backdrop of a superb season with Manchester City. He scored 23 goals for the English champions last season.

This without a shroud of doubt earned him a deserved spot in England's squad. However, he has played 41 times for his country but only scored twice.

We are at a stage of the competition where Southgate needs to crack the whip. Sterling has had more than enough chances to prove his worth as starter alongside Harry Kane.