Sterling not thinking about England recall after Feyenoord debut

Raheem Sterling made his first competitive appearance in nine months after leaving Chelsea and completing a shock move to Feyenoord. He said he will take things slowly for the remainder of the season and has not given thought to an England recall; when asked if he had spoken with Thomas Tuchel he replied, "I haven't spoken with him. Just keep playing football, that's what's most important."

Sterling came off the bench in a 2-1 win over Telstar after linking up with Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie. He has signed a short-term contract through to the end of the season and trained in Belgium while awaiting a work permit before making his debut.

Reflecting on his arrival he called the experience "a great introduction," saying the trip to Belgium helped him integrate with team-mates and that he is building match fitness "a step at a time." Van Persie described Sterling as possessing "exceptional quality" but noted the forward is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes.

England

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