2018 FIFA World Cup: City slicker Sterling ready for star role with England

Pep GuardiolaRaheem Sterling has vowed to finally emulate his blistering Manchester City form in an England shirt as the electric winger eyes redemption at the World Cup Sterlings last taste of a major international tournament was a bitter one but the forthcoming World Cup in Russia has the potential to be a far more uplifting experience Sterling endured vitriolic abuse for his tame performances at Euro 2016 a witchhunt that peaked when he posted a social media message appearing to flaunt his wealth just hours after playing in Englands humiliating last 16 loss against IcelandHis problems carried over to City as Sterling struggled to impress new boss Pep Guardiola last season sparking rumours the winger would be sold But Sterling has a fiercely competitive streak burning between a largely placid demeanour and he rose to the challenge of proving Guardiola and his critics wrong The 23yearold won back his place despite Guardiolas preseason signing of winger Bernardo Silva and has emerged as a key figure in Citys charge to the Premier League title When there is doubt or Im under pressure thats when Im at my best Sterling told reporters on MondayWhen you see stuff like you might not be in the squad you think Ok well see It was the same thing in the summer when Bernardo signed and we already had Leroy Sane I thought to myself when I get back for preseason make sure Im on it I was looking forward to it I wasnt aware of some of the stuff around Euro 2016 But if Im getting judged on football and Im doing bad I accept that Ive always had belief I can get better Sterling credits Guardiola for seeing potential in the raw youngster who arrived from Liverpool convinced he had to win games all on his ownSage adviceGuardiola has mixed sage advice with some tough love to get Sterling to buy into his teamfirst philosophy The results have been remarkable with Sterling scoring a series of vital goals in Citys march to the brink of winning the Premier League He gives me a lot confidence Before I was more raw every time I got the ball I wanted to take someone on Sterling said For me the main thing is he makes everyone do the simple stuff play the easy pass He told me to open my body up when I dribble to get momentum rather than dribbling with the outside of my footBut he lets you know when hes not happy I gave the ball away three times against Crystal Palace and I thought I wouldnt play again for the rest of the season Now Sterling who has 20 goals for City this season hopes to find his scoring form with England after a long international drought His next opportunity comes on Tuesday when England face Italy in a friendly at Wembley Its because the gaffer takes me off he joked of his barren run Its a different environment but I should be scoring for England I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well It was the same with City and then there was a turn aroundI do have a feeling its going to come soon England manager Gareth Southgate has noticed the change in Sterling over the last year and he believes the player deserves as much credit as Guardiola for the transformation I can see the confidence in him Thats where Raheem has to take credit if a player isnt willing then all those messages from the manager are wasted Southgate said You can see the positions he has taken up his belief in front of goal Hes scored more goals in training this week than Ive ever seen Hes thinking about the type of shot more not snatching at thingsCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates hereDownload the new midday Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the goThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever