Sunday 29 May 2016 07:44, UK
England forward Raheem Sterling says he is ready to prove his doubters wrong at the European Championship this summer following a "frustrating" first season for Manchester City.
Sterling struggled to secure a first-team place at the Etihad since making a record-breaking £49m switch from Liverpool last summer - making just 23 starts in the Premier League for his new club.
The 21 year-old, who also struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, admits his move from Anfield has been a "massive learning curve" but insists he is looking forward to representing England in France this summer.
"It was frustrating when the injury kicked in and frustrating getting back into the team," said Sterling, who set up Wayne Rooney for England's second goal against Australia in an international friendly on Friday.
"But that's what happens when you've got top players around you, you've got to work to get back into the team.
"There was not one point I was worried and I was really looking forward to coming away with England and hopefully book a place on the way to France.
"I've learned quite a bit going into City for my first year. It was a massive learning curve and I'll definitely take that into next season.
"I think I'm improving, yeah, definitely. I haven't scored as many goals or assisted as many goals as I've wanted to, but I'm definitely improving mentally.
"That's the most important thing for me - my mentality to not really listen to outsiders and to just concentrate on myself and be myself and express myself."
England face Portugal in their final warm-up game for the Euros on June 2 and Sterling says he is enjoying the attacking freedom afforded to him by Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.
"It's really positive when the manager tells you every time you get the ball that he wants you to go forwards," Sterling said. "I'm most definitely enjoying my football.
"It's really good. Every training session if I don't go forward the manager kind of has a dig at me so that's something I'm relishing and something I really enjoy."
Sterling believes that England are genuine contenders for the title in France but admitted expectations need to remain grounded.
"It's not to say we're being naive, but we're going into the tournament to do well, not just to participate but to really try to challenge for it," he said.
"We just need to definitely listen to the manager and try to take heed because some of his tactics and formations we have played over the last few of years have really worked for us."
