Thursday, 23rd October, 2014
England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that he is “gutted” over the way Raheem Sterling was treated by the media.
The Liverpool winger asked Three Lions boss Hodgson if he could be sit out of the nation’s 2016 European qualifier against Estonia earlier in the month after complaining about fatigue.
Sterling was heavily criticised for trying to sit out of playing for his country by several former players and the press.
And Hodgson, who feels the youngster was harshly treated, however backed Sterling to return from the incident stronger.
"With young Raheem Sterling this week, it guts me to see that sort of treatment”, he was quoted as saying by ITV.
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"It’s totally unfair and totally wrong. It’s suiting people’s agendas.
“But, you know, he’ll be stronger for it.”
When asked if he was right to reveal the news about Sterling asking to be benched for tiredness, Hodgson replied, “Is that right? Of course it’s not right! But I can’t turn the clock back, I’m living in 2014, I can’t go back to Downton Abbey!”
Sterling, who has played in every game of Liverpool in the calendar year, has thus far earned 11 caps for England.
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