Euro 2020: Rio Ferdinand hails Raheem Sterling as a national hero after his heroics against Germany

England and Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand hails City's Raheem Sterling as a national hero after his heroics against Germany.

Raheem Sterling of England against Germany

Raheem Sterling scored the opening goal in England’s 2-0 win against Germany.

Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling continued his fine form in Euro 2020 after finding the nets in England’s 2-0 win over Germany in the round of 16 clash, taking his goal tally to 3 this campaign.

Despite enduring a lacklustre season at Man City, the 26-year-old has managed to hold his head high and score against Croatia, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Last night, Sterling’s heroics at Wembley Stadium led to former Three Lions and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand calling him a national hero.

Ferdinand said: “We said before the game this is an opportunity to become a national hero. He’s got three goals; when he needed that moment to lift us, he’s the person we looked to.

“[He’s a] fantastic kid and human, what a professional and hard worker. The courage is what I love about him. 

“He has the ability to scare you. He wants to turn and face you at all times. He’ll be someone you can’t read; he jinks about his trickery, he’s producing moments, deciding games.”

Sterling also made a unique record during the win against the Germans, becoming the second player alongside Gary Lineker to score England’s first three goals in a major tournament.

Besides Sterling, Harry Kane was also on target in the round-of-16 win, marking the first English win against the Germans since 1966. 

Gareth Southgate’s side awaits Ukraine in the quarter-finals and will face the winners of the Denmark and Czech Republic contest in the semis.