Raheem Sterling could beat any defender in the world six months ago… but now his confidence looks shot, says Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes reckons Raheem Sterling is currently lacking confidence
The Liverpool attacker struggled during England’s friendly against Ireland
Scholes says that six months ago, Sterling could beat any defender
Roy Hodgson’s men played out a dull 0-0 draw at the Aviva Stadium

Published:
14:42 GMT, 7 June 2015

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Updated:
15:53 GMT, 7 June 2015

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After a below-par England performance from Raheem Sterling, ITV pundit Paul Scholes believes the 20-year-old is lacking the same confidence he had six months ago – where he was beating world-class opponents on a regular basis.

The Liverpool attacker, who was booed throughout against Ireland, struggled during the 67 minutes he was on the pitch before being hauled off.

Scholes, however, admitted he felt for Sterling and can see that the wantaway star is lacking the same confidence he had earlier in the season.

Raheem Sterling was taken off by Roy Hodgson after a disappointing 67 minutes for England

The Liverpool attacker was booed throughout by fans at the Aviva Stadium as he struggled to make an impact

Paul Scholes believes the 20-year-old is lacking the same confidence he had six months ago

He said: ‘You have to feel for Sterling a bit, it looks like his confidence has gone a little bit. This is a lad six months ago, he could beat any defender in the world.

‘He has great skill, great pace and he just looks like his confidence is shot to pieces.’

Sterling was guilty of losing possession throughout and despite the blistering pace he offers, failed to cause the Irish defence any problems.

He was replaced by Andros Townsend as Roy Hodgson looked to inject energy into his side.

The Tottenham star certainly made more of an impact and forced Shay Given into smart save in the dying minutes as the two sides fought out a boring 0-0.

Ian Wright also believes that Townsend should get the nod over Adam Lallana against Slovenia.

He said: ‘I feel if you look at Andros’ performance when coming on and he has that injection of pace and looks like he wants to get past people and created a couple of things. That is more needed than what Adam is adding.’