Although it was “just a friendly”, the game did not lack emotion and quality. The 79th minute even produced a moment of madness as Sterling and Valencia were both sent off.
The Liverpool forward first tackled his opponent harshly. The latter reacted angrily, using his hands in confrontation. Valencia was perhaps provoked by the nightmare he suffered in September 2010 when a broken ankle against Rangers FC ruined his 2010/11 season.
As Opta Joe noted, Sterling became the first Three Lions player to see red since Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in September 2012 against Ukraine.
Watch the incident:
Antonio Valencia’s reaction didn’t impress many
Poor reaction from Valencia, no need for it, it was a poor challenge i agree, but that's football, let the referee deal with it. #ENGvECU
— FootballFacts101 (@FootballFact101) June 4, 2014
But some thought otherwise
@FootballFact101 Could of ended his World Cup days before it even begins, I'd be fuming too
— Andrew Holden (@Andrew_Holden94) June 4, 2014
Raheem Sterling's reaction. 'Seriously?' pic.twitter.com/oUKVQYU6XI
— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) June 4, 2014
ALL GOALS: Ecuador 2-2 England