Why Raheem Sterling can be the difference in Man City run-in

Raheem Sterling was in that area again. He made a trademark late run into the box, bypassing the Côte d'Ivoire backline, taking up his position on the edge of the six-yard box – ready for a cutback.

It’s a position he’s mastered for over seven years at the club, but mainly since Pep Guardiola’s arrival in England. So often do we see a slick Manchester City move finished off by the right boot of Sterling – and Gareth Southgate has seen that to full effect.

This time it was his City teammate Jack Grealish who put it on a plate for him to slide home an England second, but his all-around performance was more than deserving of a goal, he was brilliant in his decision making and almost flawless in his execution.

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Of course, this is nothing new with Sterling and his national team. He scored three huge goals in last summer's delayed European Championship, with each one showcasing his unique ability to sniff out an opening.

Against Germany in the last-16, his burst of pace bypassed the midfield and allowed Grealish and Luke Shaw some space on the left. Some players may have stopped there and admired his intrinsic bit of creativity – not Sterling – he raced straight back into the box and was on-hand to slam home a vital opening goal.

We would be here all-day listing examples of the times he’s done the same for City, but his unique knack of turning up on the biggest occasions is something Guardiola can harness in a hectic title run-in.

The players returned to the CFA yesterday ahead of a massive Premier League clash with Burnley on Saturday afternoon. The Blues know there’s little margin for error between now and the end of the season if