RIO DE JANEIRO (AP):

Four years ago, Raheem Sterling was watching the World Cup eating pizza with his friends. Now, the 19-year-old Liverpool winger is the pick of the skillful newcomers giving England hope after their opening loss to Italy.

Sterling has transferred his talents seamlessly from the Premier League to the international arena. Deployed as the playmaker by Roy Hodgson, Sterling took on established opponents without fear, withstanding the heat and humidity in Manaus to zip across the pitch dribbling through the Italian defence.

"For a young player like me to obviously play in such a big tournament, when (Hodgson) told me I was starting, I was a bit nervous," Sterling said yesterday. "I thought to myself it was a great opportunity for me to go out there and show the footballing world what I can do."

defeat

But personal plaudits seemed inconsequential to the Londoner, who didn't want to dwell on the 2-1 defeat in which his vision was exemplified by opening up the Italian defence in the lead-up to Daniel Sturridge's goal.

"I was in a bit of a mood after the match, I wasn't really replying to anyone," Sterling said, addressing reporters for the first time since his World Cup debut. "Obviously replied to my mum and my sister, but then after a couple of days after it sank in I replied to everyone."

Losing admirably won't do again tomorrow against Uruguay, who opened Group D with a more demoralising collapse to Costa Rica.

"Hopefully over the game (I) showed some glimpses and helped my team," Sterling recalled of the Italy defeat. "It was unlucky that we didn't get the win, but I thought we played some good stuff at times and definitely on Thursday we will be going at it again."

The Jamaica-born Sterling, who grew up in London near Wembley Stadium, is cautious about expressing a preference to starting in the middle or in his more familiar club position on the wing, instead highlighting his versatility.

"Anywhere in the attacking position is my favourite position, and trying to help the team with a goal or an assist," he said.