Raheem Sterling Debuts For Feyenoord As World Cup Talk Remains Off The Table

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Raheem Sterling made a winning start for Feyenoord, coming off the bench in a 2-1 comeback victory over Telstar at Stadion Feijenoord, yet the forward stressed that there had been no discussions with England head coach Thomas Tuchel about an international recall ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The 31-year-old joined Feyenoord on a short-term agreement earlier in February, arriving as a free agent after Chelsea and Sterling mutually ended the contract. Sterling entered against Telstar on 61 minutes, replacing Gijs Smal, and watched Anis Hadj Moussa secure the turnaround with two first-half goals.

Sterling has not featured for the Three Lions since the 2022 World Cup, yet the forward still owns 20 goals from 82 international appearances. Asked whether Tuchel had made contact about a possible England return before the World Cup, Sterling replied: "I haven't spoken with him. Just keep playing football, that's what's most important."

Sterling’s previous competitive outing before facing Telstar came for Arsenal, while on loan from Chelsea, on the final day of the 2024-25 Premier League season. At Stamford Bridge, Sterling slipped out of favour under Enzo Maresca, joining what was described as the club’s bomb squad, and successor Liam Rosenior chose not to restore Sterling to the main group.

Having spent recent weeks training with Feyenoord, Sterling said the early days in Rotterdam had helped with settling in. "Been a great introduction, Sterling added. The trip to Belgium, I think, was a very good one for me to get integrated with the boys, and get to know your team-mates and know what they're about, so it was very enjoyable."

Head coach Robin van Persie stated on Friday that Sterling’s technical level impressed, but also warned that the forward was not ready to complete a full 90 minutes. Sterling agreed that more conditioning was required and outlined the focus on rebuilding sharpness with his new Eredivisie side.

Sterling described the current workload and his fitness aims in detail. "Haven't played in little bit, but just trying to keep fit. Been with the team now for a little bit, so it's just all on building a step at a time and trying to get to match fitness, Sterling said. Good to start your first game with a win. I think that's the most important. [With] the targets that we're chasing, so a good debut."

Sterling’s first appearance for Feyenoord therefore combined a positive result, clear signs of trust from van Persie and a reminder of the forward’s international ambitions, even if Tuchel has not yet made contact, leaving the focus on club form in the Netherlands over the coming weeks.