Raheem Sterling vs Iceland match kick off despite England fans boo

 

Raheem Sterling has been given an amazing recall for England’s crunch last-16 showdown with Iceland.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has decided to spring a big surprise for Monday's knockout match for a place in the last eight of Euro 2016 by bringing back Manchester City wide-man Sterling in favour of Adam Lallana.

It comes despite Sterling struggling for form and confidence and being booed by England fans in the last game he started, 11 days ago against Wales.

City’s incoming new boss Pep Guardiola, who has yet to officially take charge, even rang Sterling to reassure him of his future at the Etihad and that he was a major part of his plans.

That has given Sterling a major spring in his step and it appears to have reaped rewards as Hodgson looks to target Iceland’s defence, particularly their full-backs Birkir Savarsson and Ari Skulason, in Nice.

He has decided to go for an attacking line-up, with Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge also starting up front and Harry Kane of Tottenham leading the front line.

Liverpool midfielder Lallana appears to have paid the price for not scoring in 26 caps for England, while he also limped out of training on Friday and was pictured with an ice pack on his left ankle.

Hodgson has reverted to what looks like his first choice line-up after making six changes for the final Group B match with Slovakia, a decision which brought huge criticism as they were held to a goalless draw and surrendered top spot in the section - and an easier road through the knockout phase - to Wales.

Captain Wayne Rooney and Dele Alli return to midfield, while first-choice full-back pair Kyle Walker and Danny Rose are also back.