England: Raheem Sterling not prepared to pull out of international football despite intense scrutiny - reports

The Manchester City forward has become synonymous with England’s failure at Euro 2016  

Samuel Stevens
Monday 04 July 2016 04:12 EDT
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Raheem Sterling endured a torrid Euro 2016 campaign
Raheem Sterling endured a torrid Euro 2016 campaign (Getty)

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Raheem Sterling has reportedly made it clear that he has no intention of walking out on England despite a barrage of abuse from both the media and supporters in recent weeks.

The Manchester City forward has become synonymous with England’s failure at the European Championship this summer with claims also emerging that his team-mates had questioned Roy Hodgson’s decision to pick him in the starting line-up.

As revealed by The Independent this month, new City manager Pep Guardiola also saw it fit to call the 21-year-old in France to reassure him that he remains a part of his plans ahead of the new season.

Despite calls for him to be dropped for future England fixtures, a source close to Sterling allegedly told the Daily Mirror: “Raheem hasn’t even thought about turning his back on England.

“He is determined that the experience will make him stronger – as it did to players like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney when they were blamed for England’s problems in the past.”

The former Queens Park Rangers forward remains one of the brightest sparks in English football and has received backing from leading figures in the wake of England’s disastrous campaign at Euro 2016.

Before the tournament, Sterling turned to Dr Steve Peters, the sports psychiatrist, to improve his mental toughness after seeing his England credentials hit.

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