Sterling says he's eager to prove his worth for England at World Cup
Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling says he wants to prove he is a real "team player" for England at the World Cup.
The 19-year-old earned a place in England's 23-man squad after a breakthrough season with Liverpool, establishing himself as a key part of the Reds' side which came up just short in the title race.
But Sterling, who scored 10 goals for Liverpool this season, has vowed not to fall into the trap of trying to change his approach under the intense pressure and scrutiny of a World Cup environment.
"I just want to train hard on the training pitch to show the manager I am capable of working for the team and to show I am a real team player," said Sterling.
"Hopefully I can go out there and show what I can do. If I get a chance to go on the pitch, I will not overdo it at all.
"I will just try to play my normal game and hopefully then I can kick on."
Sterling is one of several youngsters included in Roy Hodgson's squad, with 18-year-old full-back Luke Shaw and 20-year-old midfield duo Ross Barkley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain helping drag the average age of England's squad down to just over 26.
His rapid rise is put into perspective when he recalls what he was doing when Steven Gerrard fired England in front in their first game at the 2010 World Cup against the United States.
"I think I was at home eating some pizza with friends when he scored the opening goal," said Sterling, who still has just two caps to his name.
"I have to pinch myself every day at Liverpool, playing with the like of Steven, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
"Sometimes I go home now playing FIFA with them but at the same time it is a dream come true, really, and I am just looking forward to playing with the likes of Steven in this World Cup."
