'He was savvy': Carragher claims Sterling did NOT cheat to win penalty
‘He was savvy, not cynical’: Jamie Carragher insists Raheem Sterling did NOT cheat to win England’s decisive penalty in Euro 2020 semi-final victory over Denmark, before claiming Three Lions have finally become ‘streetwise’
- England fans are still living on cloud nine after Three Lions reached Euros final
- Gareth Southgate’s men saw off Denmark 2-1 after extra-time in the semi-final
- There was a hint of controversy surrounding England’s all-important penalty
- Raheem Sterling went down under the pressure of Joakim Maehle in extra-time
- Find out the latest Euro 2020 news including fixtures, live action and results here
Jamie Carragher has leapt to the defence of Raheem Sterling after he came in for criticism for going down too easily to win England’s decisive penalty in their Euro 2020 semi-final victory over Denmark.
Gareth Southgate’s side are on the cusp of glory after booking their spot in the Euros final against Italy following their 2-1 victory over Denmark – with Harry Kane scoring the winning goal in extra-time after tapping home on the rebound from his missed penalty.
The all-important penalty certainly came with a hint of controversy, with replays showing that Joakim Maehle made very little contact with Sterling before he fell to the ground.
Raheem Sterling went down in the penalty area after slight contact from Joakim Maehle (left)
However, Carragher has since backed up the Manchester City winger, who has been England’s stand-out player at the Euros, claiming he was clever in winning the spot-kick for his side in his column for the Telegraph.
Carragher said: ‘I have no problem with how Sterling “won” the spot-kick. He did what many top-class attackers have done when Maehle brushed against his leg. He was savvy, not cynical.
‘To me, it was not cheating because having dribbled into the penalty area he induced panic in those trying to stop him. They got the man rather than the ball, regardless of how bad it really was. This is what makes Sterling such a dangerous player, running at pace so defenders never know whether to risk a challenge, especially in the penalty area.’
‘In a situation such as Wednesday night’s, the defender’s biggest mistake is in being too late to his man, making contact inevitable and ensuring the officials have a big decision to make, with a volatile home crowd screaming for what in that split second looks like the most obvious foul.’
England are on the cusp of writing their name in the history books, but will be wary of the threat a rejuvenated Italy will pose on Sunday at Wembley.
Italy’s game management has always put them in good stead, and that is something England will definitely need to take note of, but Carragher believes that the Three Lions have finally become ‘streetwise’ themselves.
Harry Kane taps home on the rebound after missing the penalty that Sterling won at Wembley
‘I have long argued that England’s players have not been clever enough on the international stage when it came to game management and securing favourable decisions,’ Carragher said.
‘Nobody has done more to shift that perception than Harry Kane – who I described last season as the “most streetwise player in the Premier League”. Whenever he brings that quality to the pitch, that’s when you know he is his old self.’
Carragher then added: ‘Who would have thought that the Italians would face an England team as streetwise as they are?’
While Carragher sided with Sterling, Arsene Wenger and his old managerial rival Jose Mourinho certainly didn’t agree with the decision.
‘No penalty,’ Wenger said on beIN Sports. ‘I don’t understand why they don’t ask the referee to have a look at it.
‘In a moment like that, it’s important that the referee is absolutely convinced that it was a penalty. It was not clear enough to say: “yes it is,” and at least he should have had a look on the screen.
‘I don’t know why the VAR didn’t ask him to go. For me, it was no penalty, no. I think that VAR has let the referee down, not Denmark. Denmark is a bit unfortunate. I understand that it’s difficult for the referee, but he must have a look at it.’
Jamie Carragher labelled Sterling ‘savvy’ after winning the penalty against Denmark
And Mourinho was in full agreement with Wenger, insisting he was ‘disappointed’ the penalty was given.
‘England deserved to win and I am very happy, don’t get me wrong,’ Mourinho wrote in the Sun.
‘But I say it the way I see it and, as a football man, I am disappointed that the penalty on Raheem Sterling was given.
‘Maybe the England fans won’t like my opinion but it’s never a penalty… never. I don’t understand the referee’s decision.
‘And I understand even less the fact that VAR didn’t bring the ref over to the screen or overturn the decision. It was never a penalty against the first defender, and it was never a penalty on the second defender.’
Sunday’s final will take place at 8pm, with Italy out to spoil the party after booking their place in the showpiece event following a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Spain.
England are now gearing up for the Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley on Sunday
Share this article
Source: Read Full Article