Report: Raheem Sterling's England World Cup place secured

Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling has already secured his place in England's World Cup squad this summer, according to reports.

The 19-year-old has been a key figure in the Reds' push for a first League title in 24 years and will be rewarded by Roy Hodgson with a place on the plane to Brazil for the tournament, The Mirror claims.

His prospects of reaching the World Cup have been boosted by injuries to Andros Townsend and Theo Walcott and, while Sterling impressed for the Three Lions in their last match against Denmark, it has been his club form that has impressed Hodgson most.

In eight days, time the England coach will name his 23-man squad for Brazil and will reportedly include Everton defender John Stones on a standby list of seven players.

England's tournament kicks off in Manaus against Italy on June 14.