Raheem Sterling has addressed his critics in the aftermath of England's 4-0 drubbing of Ukraine at Euro 2020.
Sterling set up England's opener for Harry Kane and he has been the Three Lions' star man at the tournament so far.
But despite the top-drawer performances, Sterling has had to face backlash and criticism from supporters.
He scored the opening goal against Germany in the round of 16 which helped England break down a resilient and stubborn German defence.
Yet after the game the focus for some was on a ball he lost on the halfway line which led to a crucial opportunity for Thomas Muller to score.
Speaking to reporters after Ukraine's victory Sterling opened up about the criticism he has had to face.
“It’s not been an easy road with the national team, in the past with the slack I would get before touching a football even sometimes," Sterling said.
“As a young person, it was difficult to deal with. You have to challenge yourself and take it for what it is. You can’t doubt yourself, you’ve got to push yourself even more and that’s what I’ve been doing and I think that’s one of my best traits."
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The England attacker also opened up about his aspirations growing up as a child ahead of the semi-final clash against Denmark.
"Watching the stadium [Wembley] being built as a child, it’s always been a motivation for me when I was young and aspiring football player travelling to QPR and you can hear the atmosphere, you can hear a goal being scored," Sterling said.
“I’ve got to myself where I'm fully focussed, trying to block things out. A lot happened in a season and the past year, but the main thing I keep to myself is how to be in the present
