Jamie Redknapp hails Raheem Sterling's development into a 'leader'

Jamie Redknapp is amazed at how much England and Manchester City star Raheem Sterling has developed into becoming a leader.

The 24-year-old was named captain for Gareth Southgate's side's Nations League semi-final clash with Holland on Thursday.

Redknapp cannot believe the amount of progress that Sterling has made in recent years.

Redknapp told Sky Sports: 'If you said he would have been an England captain two years ago I would have never believed you.

'I would have thought no chance. He hasn't got the personality for it. Now he has become a leader.

'He's helping young players. This is what we are doing now in this country, we are producing players like him.

'To see the development of these young players and to see what can happen to Raheem Sterling, it’s great for English football.'

Gary Neville also believes Sterling could be the City captain in the future with Vincent Kompany departing the Etihad this summer.

Neville said: 'He's had to earn it [the captaincy] because he has been through some difficult moments.

The Man City captaincy is up for grabs too and there aren’t too many outstanding characters to takeover from Vincent Kompany.

'If you think where he has been in the past few years, he has been in some low moments. And now he [Sterling] looks like he can cope.

'That's the most important thing for young players that they come through these difficult moments.

'They are being stretched all the time. He has been isolated and alienated by the British media, he has been alienated by some of the British fans that travel to watch England and has been targeted.

'It took a huge amount of courage to speak out about racism and he took on the media.

'It could have gone wrong for him but he made a big, brave decision. Everyone warmed to him. He has made mistakes. All young people do.

Now it’s a new challenge, it's a responsibility, other players will be looking towards him.'

Jamie Carragher also hailed West Ham midfielder Declan Rice who made his second appearance for England on Thursday.

Carragher said: 'You wouldn’t be surprised to see him [Rice] as captain in two or three years’ time if he solidifies that position.

'If you’re asking me in 12 months time, I think he will be our best position in there [the holding midfield position]. I think his passing is very underrated.'

Redknapp also heaped praise on Rice: 'It’s a real test for him. Up against Wijnaldum and co. We are going to be talking about a player who can hold down that position for a long, long time to come.'