Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling to start for England against Italy

Raheem Sterling has been included in England’s team to face Italy in their opening match of the World Cup, with Adam Lallana on the bench.

The Liverpool winger missed the final warm-up match against Honduras last week after being sent off against Ecuador but has forced his way into Roy Hodgson’s starting line-up.

 Sterling will join Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney in supporting lone striker Daniel Sturridge, with the 19-year-old surprisingly expected to occupy a central role.

Projected England team to face Italy (4-2-3-1): Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard (c), Henderson; Rooney, Sterling, Welbeck; Sturridge