World Cup: Sterling starts in Manaus for England

Hodgson has been full of praise for Sterling’s performances in training this week and now the winger has a chance to show he can cut it on the biggest stage in world football.

The 19-year-old midfielder was handed just his third England start in an attack-minded XI, which contained five Liverpool players in total.

England were expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in Manaus, where temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius.

Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney started alongside Sterling in a three-pronged forward line behind main striker Daniel Sturridge.

Naming such a pacy front four was a bold move by England manager Hodgson - a man often criticised for being too conservative.

Jordan Henderson’s fine season with Liverpool earned him a place in midfield alongside captain Steven Gerrard, who won his 112th cap.

There were no surprises in defence as Hodgson selected Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka at centre-back.

Glen Johnson and Leighton Baines started at right and left-back respectively while Joe Hart made his first World Cup appearance in goal.

England were handed a massive boost before kick-off when Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon was ruled out with an ankle injury.