Joe Cole Names Chelsea Superstar as Key Man Who Should Start for England at the World Cup

• Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole has said that Raheem Sterling must go to the World Cup with England
• Sterling has endured a poor campaign so far, scoring just five goals after a big-money move from Manchester City
• Cole also blasted Sterling's doubters, saying it is "absurd" to direct any criticism towards him

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has declared that Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling must start for England at the World Cup, which is a few days away.

Sterling has faced heavy criticism this season for his performances at Stamford, with Chelsea legend Pat Nevin saying England manager Gareth Southgate should not call up the winger.

Sterling, 27, has failed to light up Stamford Bridge since he signed for the club from Manchester City this past summer. The winger had lost some form at a crucial time when the biggest football event is about to kick off, according to Sportbible.

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The Englishman ended his goal drought on Wednesday, 2nd October, by scoring Chelsea's first goal in club's 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

Cole and Ferdinand support Sterling

According to the Daily Mail, Cole said the winger is experienced and can offer so much to England. He said Sterling must go to the World Cup.

"When you go through facts, he’s Chelsea’s top scorer, the last seven years of what he has done in his career for England and Manchester City, he’s got so much in the bank for the people who know the game. It’s an absolute no-brainer, of course he goes to the World Cup.

Cole blasted his critics, saying it is preposterous that people feel he shouldn't go to Qatar.

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"His biggest strength is what’s between his ears. You ain’t got no worries about him going into a World Cup. People talk about him not going – absurd."

Cole's colleague, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said Sterling should start for England in the tournament.

"Sterling starts at the World Cup, forget going; he starts. Simple as that for me."

Sterling has scored five goals this season since his £50 million move to Chelsea this past summer, according to Transfermarkt.

Sterling blasted by Chelsea legend

Sports Brief earlier reported on Chelsea legend Pat Nevin criticising Sterling, labelling him "absolutely terrible" in Chelsea's 4-1 defeat to Brighton.

Nevin has said the forward produced a poor performance and, on current form, he shouldn't be at the World Cup.

Blues manager has Graham Potter expressed his support for Sterling.