Sterling a poser for Hodgson

RAHEEM Sterling's sending off in England's friendly against Ecuador has given Roy Hodgson a major headache ahead of England's World Cup opener against Italy, says former England coach Glenn Hoddle.

The Liverpool winger was red-carded for a tackle on Antonio Valencia, a challenge Hodgson acknowledged was reckless.

Hodgson has since said the incident will not harm Sterling's chances but Hoddle said on Sunday Hodgson must now wonder how much he can trust the 19-year-old.

"He would certainly have thought about starting him on Saturday [in the friendly against Honduras] with a view to playing him against Italy.

"The thought of going down to 10-men against Italy doesn't bear thinking about, especially when the game in Manaus will be won or lost in the final 20 minutes when fatigue sets in." – Reuters