England manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly considering handing a starting spot to Liverpool teenager Raheem Sterling in their opening World Cup game against Italy.

The Three Lions, who spent last week in Portugal at a warm-weather training camp, will begin the group phase in Manaus on June 14.

According to the Daily Star, Hodgson was impressed by Sterling's form in training and could start him against Italy depending on how he performs in Friday's warm-up match against Peru at Wembley.

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that the 19-year-old's Liverpool teammate Daniel Sturridge will start alongside Wayne Rooney in all three of England's warm-up friendlies.