When asked to name the best player in England’s World Cup squad, most will say either Harry Kane or Raheem Sterling.

They are the two standouts in what is a young, vibrant squad.

Sterling is coming off his best season as a professional footballer, scoring 23 goals and providing 12 assists as Manchester City cruised to the Premier League title.

His preparations for the World Cup have been rocked by some negative headlines but his sole focus right now will be on England’s opener against Tunisia on Monday.

Sterling is an incredible talent and one man who is eager to watch him is Cesc Fabregas.

Writing in his column for the Telegraph, Fabregas noted that Sterling and Kane are the two players who can help England have a good tournament.

Fabregas played against Sterling for Chelsea and he noticed the improvement that Pep Guardiola has had on his game.

Fabregas on Raheem Sterling

“Sterling had a great season, he has fantastic qualities,” Fabregas said.

“People say he does not score enough goals, but still what he offers the team going in behind, running, he gives something to the team that I think will be very, very important.

“I can see the influence Pep Guardiola has had on him. He’s so fast, he has pace, but I think Pep, tactically, made him much better.”

“From what I see when we play against him, he has got the qualities to go in behind and attack the lines because he is so fast.

“He did not used to do it, but Pep has put it in his mind that ‘listen, you are the player who can score 20, 25 goals a season easily.”

“’You need to make runs behind and get into the box.’”

Fabregas believes England have to capitalise on Sterling’s ability in one-on-one situations.

“When he takes you on one against one, you have no chance and England need to take advantage of this,” the midfielder added.

“He can deliver.”

An entire nation hopes that Fabregas is right.