Sterling, who came off the bench to break the deadlock and then assisted Foden’s added time second, was the Blues’ stand-out player in what proved a tough examination from Dinamo Zagreb.
The City winger insisted his teenage team-mate is more than good enough for the national team and believes the time is right for a senior call-up.
“The players that we have here, you have to read the game and the goals will come.
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“I am buzzing for Phil and I want him in the national team, if he keeps going the way he has he will be there.”
Sterling revealed that the team were well aware how difficult Dinamo would be – and the Croatians held out until the 65th minute to frustrate the Blues.
“We have seen them play with the clips that the manager showed, and it was difficult to break them down at times,” revealed Sterling.
“A few chances did not go in, but we took one eventually and then got the second.
“From a personal point of view, it is always disappointing not to start but we had to be patient.
“I was happy to contribute to the team.”
Foden said that Sterling proved to be the game-changer on the night as he added: “It needed a change of tempo and Raheem brought that.
“It is all about enjoying your time on the pitch and I am happy to score and help the team.
“I thought they were putting dangerous balls in the box so to seal the win meant everything.
“You have to show the manager what you can do each day in training, every young kid wants to play but you have to keep patient.”
