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Sterling Scores Hat-trick As England Thrash Czech Rep

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Raheem Sterling scores

Raheem Sterling scored his first England hat-trick as their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign started in hugely impressive fashion as they outclassed the Czech Republic at Wembley.

Manager Gareth Southgate gave Jadon Sancho his first international start and Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old repaid his faith with a fine display.

But it was Sterling who stole the show as England built on the development that saw them reach the World Cup semi-finals in Russia and the finals of the inaugural Nations League.

Sancho showed his quality with a perfect cross for the stretching Sterling to open the scoring after 24 minutes and captain Harry Kane added the second in first-half stoppage time after the Manchester City forward was bundled over by two Czech Republic defenders.

England survived minor scares at the start of the second half but reasserted their vast superiority when Sterling scored on the turn just after the hour and completed his hat-trick six minutes later when his 20-yard shot deflected in off Ondrej Celustka.

Sterling was then given a standing ovation as he was replaced by debutant Callum Hudson-Odoi, with another of England’s young brigade Declan Rice having already been given his first Three Lions cap as replacement for Dele Alli.

And Hudson-Odoi, making his England debut before his first Premier League start for Chelsea, had a hand in the fifth when his shot was saved by keeper Jiri Pavlenka, only for Tomas Kalas to turn the rebound into his own net.

England’s victory sees them top Group A after Montenegro drew 1-1 against Bulgaria earlier on Friday.

Sterling show his class

Raheem Sterling goal
This was the move for England’s first goal against the Czech Republic

When Sterling scored twice in England’s 3-2 win in Spain in October, their first win there for 31 years, the goals ended a three-year barren international sequence, stretching back 27 games.

No-one questioned Sterling’s ability or his attitude but this was clearly a flaw that needed addressing, although the feeling remained that he simply needed one goal to open the floodgates and replicate his club form at Manchester City.

And so it has proved.

The burden, such as it was, lifted off Sterling’s shoulders on that stellar night in Seville and Wembley witnessed a player in prime form and confidence.

Sterling, in tandem with Kane and Sancho, terrorised the Czech Republic defence, stealing in for a poacher’s first goal before a driving run into the area brought England a penalty.

He showed great awareness to score his second on the turn before getting a deserved slice of good fortune with a deflection for his hat-trick.

Wembley rose to Sterling as he went off – his status as a player crucial to England’s future underlined.

Southgate gives a glimpse into the future

England manager Gareth Southgate said he would have no hesitation in blooding the talented band of youngsters he has at his disposal and he was as good as his word in this thrilling glimpse into the future.

Sancho, on his first start, was brimming with confidence, running at the Czech defence as he set up the first goal and only being denied a goal himself by a desperate goalline clearance after the break.

Rice was given a run-out for a taste of the full England experience while Hudson-Odoi also showed the fearlessness of youth in his cameo appearance.

This young group, alongside the established figures such as Kane and Sterling, delighted England’s fans and added to the growing excitement and expectation surrounding Southgate’s side.

Yes, the Czech Republic were mediocre opponents but England put them away with so much to spare that one can only admire this performance as Southgate’s men now prepare to face Montenegro in Podgorica on Monday.

Man of the match – Raheem Sterling (England)

Raheem Sterling
Sterling took home the match ball for his star showing at Wembley – it was the first hat-trick by an England player at Wembley since Jermain Defoe in September 2010

‘A beautiful team performance’ – what they said

England manager Gareth Southgate told ITV:“I thought Raheem was electric all night. He has looked like that all week in training. I’m pleased for him, it is a special night for him.”

“I think Raheem has really matured as a person and a footballer. He’s hungry for goals and hitting things instinctively without thinking too much.”

Raheem Sterling told ITV: “It was a beautiful team performance and I was happy to help the team get the win.

“I’m just being confident in myself, I’m trying to get in areas and take shots, not to worry about anything. The first goal pleased me most, to get myself up and running.”

Hudson-Odoi England’s youngest competitive debutant – the stats

  • England are unbeaten in their past 40 qualifying matches (Euros and World Cup), winning 31 and drawing nine since a 1-0 defeat by Ukraine in October 2009.
  • This was England’s biggest win at Wembley since a 5-0 triumph over San Marino in October 2014.
  • Harry Kane has scored 16 goals for England under Gareth Southgate – 11 more than any other player.
  • Raheem Sterling has scored with five of his past seven shots for England – he had scored with just two of his first 62 efforts at goal for the Three Lions.
  • Callum Hudson-Odoi is the youngest player to make his debut for England in a competitive match, aged 18 years and 135 days.
  • This was the first time in 138 years that England featured two players aged 18 or younger in an international match (Jadon Sancho and Hudson-Odoi) – the last occasion was in February 1881 against Wales (Thurston Rostron and Jimmy Brown).
  • England have scored the past 18 penalties they have taken at Wembley – David Platt was the last player to fail to score, in February 1993 against San Marino.

Entertainment Gists

RUAN-Badkid.96: The Unfiltered Voice Recommitting African Sound to Truth

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RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.

Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.

Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.

For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.

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Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype

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If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.

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Uncle Wisdom The Mind Behind The Motion – Talent Manager/A&R

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MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.

CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.

In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.

PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.

Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.

INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others

LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.

CONTACT & SOCIALS

Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt

TikTok: @unclewisdom7

Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com

Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027

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