Roy Hodgson has explained the thinking behind his decision to call Raheem Sterling to the senior England squad for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
The 17-year-old winger was added to the Three Lions set up for the Wembley clash on Monday afternoon.
Hodgson though, has confirmed he is keen to provide Sterling with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the international set up, rather than throw the Liverpool youngster into action.
"I've spoken to Brendan Rodgers and explained the thinking behind him coming in. I'll also make it clear to Raheem."
"He will be pretty lucky to get close to the field because there were plenty of players who were chosen in front of him," Hodgson said.
The England manager added, "I can only hope he takes it in the right way. He mustn't think he's become part of the set-up and has made it."
"He has to try, next time, to make sure he is one of the original 23."
Photo via Liverpool FC.com
