'His desire to win is exceptional!' - Southgate in awe of Sterling

Gareth Southgate has singled out Raheem Sterling for his contribution to England’s Nations League victory against Iceland.

England got in competitive action for the first time in ten months when they faced Iceland in Reykjavik on Saturday, and it clearly showed.

The Three Lions could only roar and not hunt for almost the entirety of the match. Despite having 88 percent of possession and 13 shots in total, they won by a 1-goal margin, courtesy of the opponents giving away a penalty.

Raheem Sterling proved to be the difference-maker as he won as well as converted a spot-kick in the dying minutes of the match.

Sterling, who played the full 90 minutes, has now found the back of the net 11 times in his last 12 outings for his country.

“His hunger to score, his hunger to win things, his hunger to drive himself, you really can’t underestimate it,” said manager Gareth Southgate of the Manchester City forward, as Sky Sports reports.

“It has a massive impact on everybody around him and really has taken his game to another level.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him, really. His mentality the whole week has been exceptional. He took the responsibility of the penalty, and I thought it was outstanding character throughout – his desire to win and succeed is exceptional.”