With just over a week left until the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, many managers and players will be planning to prove themselves at international level as well as aim to make the football fans of their respective country to be proud of them. The likes of Brazil, Germany, France and Spain are seen as the main favourites whilst others will look to cause a memorable upset.

It's time to turn the focus on to England, who have always had a number of talented players in the squad but have simply failed to replicate their club form for the national team. Also, the previous managers being appointed as the coach was always disappointing, however, things currently look bright under Gareth Southgate as it seems like he has an actual plan for England in the long run.

Given the tactical flexibility and willingness to think outside of the box from Southgate, it is not possible to have many excuses as to why this team cannot get pass the group stages and at least to the quarter-finals of the competition.

And the individual brilliance of Raheem Sterling will be heavily relied upon as he is the man who can carry England's World Cup hopes.

The Manchester City winger has had an unbelievable 2017-18 season at a personal level, scoring 18 goals and notching 11 assists in 33 league appearances as Pep Guardiola's side went on to lift the Premier League trophy.

On top of that, Sterling's intelligent movement and burst of pace is truly one of a kind despite the fact that his finishing in front of goal has let him down from time to time.

Looking at England's midfield department, there aren't many creative midfielders that can take the game into their stride.

Due to this reason, Southgate has been experimenting around with Sterling and is trying to analyse on how to build the team around him. His best position is out on the flanks, but the potential of him becoming a deadly force alongside goal-scoring machine Harry Kane is high.

At the age of 23, he is evidently proving himself to be one of the best wingers in the league and in Europe as he continues to be an attacking threat week in and out.

He has adapted to a number of styles, whether it's being part of a team that dominates possession and are always in the opposition's half, or a side that presses high up the pitch and are counter-attacking with full force.

Despite the fact that the English press are always criticising the Jamaica-born star for what he does on and off the pitch, they will surely be the first ones to report the news when he goes on to make a huge contribution for the Three Lions at the World Cup.

Looking through the situation, the treatment of the player is quite appalling as they have hounded his personal life to an unreasonable extent.

At the end of the day, he will not let the comments of the English media affect him and the ideal way for him to silence his critics is by consistently performing for both club and country.

For sure this is easier said than done, but for someone like Raheem Sterling, he is more than capable of taking on the challenge and turning the impossible into reality. Now, the whole of England's dreams are at his feet.