Exclusive: Raheem Sterling Talks England Plans and Handling Euro 2016 Pressure

Raheem Sterling has 20 international caps to his name and aims to be a vital member of a successful Euro 2016 campaign this summer.

At the launch of Nike's new England kit, Bleacher Report met up with the 21-year-old Manchester City star to grab an insight into the mentality that will be needed when the Three Lions head to France.

Bleacher Report: What was your feeling on the plane back from the World Cup in Brazil?

Raheem Sterling: The feeling for me was all about the personal experience. I know it was a disappointing tournament overall, but it was good for me to be there at such a young age. It will help me for future tournaments.

BR: There seems to be a good spirit in the camp. How do you maintain that during a major tournament, particularly during downtime?

RS: The spirit of the camp is good, and we need that to continue. Players need things to do to cancel out their time, similar to what they need at home. So that's a major factor for us this summer.

England do that well with the games room they bring for us; they always have things for us to do during the day so that we are not bored in our rooms thinking about home.

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BR: In Brazil you had to deal with the travel and climate, but what changes will France bring?

RS: Well, you are still away from home and in another country, so you have to adapt to their day-to-day way of life. And it will probably be warm there as well.

BR: As a nation do you think we should limit expectations or set the bar high?

RS: I think you should expect the best but without too much pressure and without targeting a few individuals.

You should definitely want the team to do well but don't get aggressive with it. That will definitely be a massive help for us.

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BR: Germany and Spain have a philosophy that people always talk about, but what English trait is important?

RS: The trait we should cling onto is definitely our passion. Going into every game, whether it is Brazil or San Marino, it is always the same for us.

We will always give 100 per cent for the fans. That is one thing that this country should never give up on because the fans deserve that you give 100 per cent even when things are not going to plan on the field. You have to leave everything on the pitch.
 

BR: On a personal level, how do you feel as a player, and how do you think you have grown in the past 12 months?

RS: I am feeling good about it; this is my second tournament, so it is time to focus and try to do good things.

In the last year, for me it has just been about being involved in more big games. That is something that has definitely helped me and will continue to help me for both club and country. The competitions and standard of football is high; I want to keep that going.

BR: Is it easier to express yourself at international level or club level?

RS: There is not too much difference, but you probably do get a bit more freedom at international level. You have to work as a team, though—no one gets special treatment here.

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BR: What role do you make the most impact from?

RS: I would say anywhere off the left or off the front man. I am always more than willing to do my best in any role and will always do my best to try to make a difference.

BR: What is your England highlight so far?

RS: Definitely my debut against Sweden. It wasn't a winning start, but the fact I was making my debut was obviously a big moment...as was my first goal against Lithuania. Hopefully there are more highlights to come.

*"Raheem Sterling wears England's new 2016 home kit, built for speed with revolutionary Nike Aeroswift innovation. Visit nike.com for more information."