Raheem Sterling: Boy from Brent delivers again as goal guides England to Euro 2020 last eight
'Inspired, proud, amazing...' pupils at Raheem Sterling's former primary school, Oakington Manor, give their verdict on England's big game against Germany.
England star and local Brent boy Raheem Sterling said it was good to back at Wembley soaking up the atmosphere in front of fans after scoring in England’s 2-0 victory over Germany in Euro 2020.
Sterling and Tottenham striker Harry Kane each scored within 11 minutes following a tense first half of Tuesday’s match to secure a memorable victory over Germany in the last-16 tie at Wembley.
Sterling congratulated England for "digging in deep" and "keeping a clean sheet" after The Three Lions secured their position among the last eight.
More than 17 million people tuned in to watch Sterling help clinch England's victory, winning him praise across the country - not least in Brent.
Sterling's former youth coach said he had always been someone who “could cope with anything that you put in front of him”.
Steve Gallen was head of youth development at Queens Park Rangers in west London where he first coached him at the age of 11.
He told ITV News London: "I knew he was a huge talent at the time but I didn't know he would go on to do this! I don't think any one knows that when you're watching 11, 12, 13-years-olds.
"In his age group, every time he played against QPR's under-12s and then the 14s and the 16s and then the 18s and then the reserve team he just passed every single test! And he passed every test with flying colours.
"He was a bit shy - but when you put a ball in front of him that's when the shyness went out the window."
Steve Gallen speaking to ITV News London
England captain Harry Kane said victory over Germany had been “the perfect afternoon” but quickly turned his attention to Saturday’s quarter-final in Rome.
Kane sealed the Three Lions’ 2-0 Wembley win by heading home with four minutes remaining. Pupils at his old school, Lime Academy Larkswood, said he was a "superstar".
England’s biggest match on home soil since Euro 96 was watched by famous faces including David Beckham and Ed Sheeran, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George.
David Baddiel and Frank Skinner – who famously sang England anthem Three Lions – were also at Wembley and belted out the song alongside the other joyous supporters.
Meanwhile, grime star Stormzy cheered on the Three Lions at Box Park in Croydon.
Following the Germany result, bookmakers Coral made England 2-1 favourites to win the tournament, cutting the Three Lions from 9-2.