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<\/p>\nGARETH SOUTHGATE should not delete Raheem Sterling\u2019s phone number from his contacts book just yet.<\/p>\n
The Chelsea wide man, 28, has again been left out of the England squad for this week\u2019s games with Australia and Italy.<\/p>\n
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In fact he has not played for the Three Lions since the World Cup quarter final defeat to France 10 months ago.<\/p>\n
Southgate said on Thursday he feels there are forwards who are playing better than the former Manchester City man right now.<\/p>\n
If the national team boss is looking for a response from Sterling then he certainly got one here.<\/p>\n
He only got his chance because Mykhailo Mudryk was not fit enough to start \u2013 but took it with both hands.<\/p>\n
When it looked like it could be another worrying day for Mauricio Pochettino\u2019s men, it was Sterling who dragged them back from the brink.<\/p>\n
He forced an own goal, won a penalty, scored one himself and even had a hand in the fourth as the visitors eventually won at a canter.<\/p>\n
And there can be no doubt if he plays like this then it won\u2019t be long before he adds to his 82 England caps.<\/p>\n
He left the field eight minutes from time to a standing ovation from the visiting fans \u2013 and fully deserved it.<\/p>\n
Those who made the journey from West London recognised the \u00a347 million ace had got them out of a hole here.<\/p>\n
He looked in the mood early on as he took a pass from Cole Palmer \u2013 who also caught the eye \u2013 and cut in before curling a shot inches past the post.<\/p>\n
But then a Burnley side – who had lost all four of their games at Turf Moor since returning to the Prem \u2013 took control.<\/p>\n
Wilson Odobert had already given makeshift right-back Marc Cucurella a bit to think about so it was no surprise when the opener arrived down that side.<\/p>\n
Lyle Foster weaved into the box and played in the French teen who steered a low shot past Robert Sanchez.<\/p>\n
It was some way to mark his full Prem debut for the 18-year-old.<\/p>\n
Credit to Foster too \u2013 he stayed on his feet when he could have gone down under a foul from Thiago Silva.<\/p>\n
Odobert almost created a second as he once again had Cucurella twisting and turning before lifting a cross to the back post.<\/p>\n
Mike Tresor looked to be in but could not direct his effort on goal under pressure from a defender and the chance was gone.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile Cucurella was having a \u2018mare and was lucky he did not connect with Odobert as he skipped past him \u2013 but got a yellow card anyway.<\/p>\n
Chelsea were second best at that point but Enzo Fernandez found space at the back post but Cullen got back and timed his tackle perfectly to clear.<\/p>\n
Sterling found went past his man and fired a low shot that was smothered at his near post by James Trafford.<\/p>\n
The England winger was looking his team\u2019s main threat and the equaliser arrived thanks to more good work from his down the left.<\/p>\n
His cross into the box flicked off Ameen Al Dakhil and looped over Trafford \u2013 no wonder the home fans groaned.<\/p>\n
It was the bit of luck that Pochettino needed as they had been second best since falling behind. \u00a0<\/p>\n
If he said a little prayer while his team was second best then they were certainly answered.<\/p>\n
Ameen to that.<\/p>\n
Yet the visitors clearly felt ref Stuart Attwell had done them no favours \u2013 both Thiago Silva and Poch confronted him as he made his way off at half-time.<\/p>\n
Poor old Al Dakhil was replaced by Dara O\u2019Shea at half-time after his slice of bad luck but Chelsea were now on the front foot.<\/p>\n
And their extra bit of quality took the game away from the home side.<\/p>\n
Sterling was caught by the knee of Vitinho right on the line of the penalty area and the VAR confirmed it was just inside.<\/p>\n
Palmer had to wait an age for the checks but kept his composure to send Trafford the wrong way from the spot.<\/p>\n
The England Under 21 ace has impressed since his surprise \u00a340 million move from Manchester City and now he has a goal to his name.<\/p>\n
Burnley had lost their way either side of the break but almost hit straight back as<\/p>\n
Odobert curled a vicious 25 yard effort that was smartly tipped over by Sanchez.<\/p>\n
But their hopes of getting back in it were snuffed out as sub Aaron Ramsey was caught out midway through the second half.<\/p>\n
Moises Caicedo and Connor Gallagher combined to send Sterling clear down the left.<\/p>\n
He looked full of confidence as he thumped a low shot into the far corner and after a VAR check the goal stood.<\/p>\n
And Sterling was involved yet again as number arrived 10 minutes later \u2013 sending over a cross from the left again.<\/p>\n
Palmer could have gone for goal himself but instead laid it off for sub Nicolas Jackson who spun and finished neatly.<\/p>\n
Three wins in a row for Chelsea now \u2013 and Poch\u2019s Stamford Bridge reign finally has lift off.<\/p>\n