Former Liverpool midfielder Stan Collymore has described Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling as England's "most important player," after his impressive performance helped the Three Lions beat Hungary 4-0 in Budapest on Thursday evening.
Sterling, who has started just one of City's three Premier League outings so far this season, continued his fine run of form in an England shirt, netting the game's opening goal just ten minutes into the second half to set Gareth Southgate's side on their way to an impressive away victory.
His close range effort took his tally of goals in an England shirt to 16 in his last 24 appearances, continuing to highlight why he is so important to Southgate's plans.
Whilst it was an extraordinary team effort that saw England progress all the way to the final of the European Championship in July, Sterling was one of the main driving forces behind that run, scoring his side's first three goals at the tournament.
Continuing where he left off against Hungary, the winger was hailed by Collymore on social media during the second half, insisting he is the Three Lions' "most important player."
Collymore posted on Twitter: "Raheem Sterling. England's most important player bar none.
"Every single game for some time now he's stepped up when others have been looking around for inspiration.
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"Every. Single. Time."
Although Sterling came under criticism from some ahead of the Euros starting, he proved his weight and gold, with his goals against both Croatia and the Czech Republic proving to be enough to help the Three Lions top their group.
He then netted the opener against Germany in the round-of-16.
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