Raheem Sterling has paid tribute to Steven Gerrard, his captain for both club and country, after a stunning three months for the young winger.
The Liverpool and England winger has been in eye-catching form with the Anfield club since the start of 2014, helping Brendan Rodgers’ side become serious Premier League title contenders in the process.
He has also made the step up from Gareth Southgate’s England Under-21s squad to Roy Hodgson’s senior group, with the potential for a place in the World Cup squad on the horizon for this summer.
Sterling pays tribute to captain Steven Gerrard
And Sterling has revealed that both Gerrard and Rodgers have been key figures and instrumental in his progress this season.
"I couldn't ask for a better captain," said the 19-year-old.
"Before every game he is helping me in terms of what player I am up against and to have someone like that to encourage you is great.
"And he [Rodgers] was trying to get me settled off the pitch and on it he was telling me to be more at home and be more relaxed on the ball and express myself and that has really helped me.
"He has made me realise I am here on merit and I'm not just here because of what I've done in the youth teams."
Sterling has been a regular for England, winning caps at every level from U16s to senior, since his first appearance in the Victory Shield against Northern Ireland at Chester back in 2009.
He has already represented England in a World Cup, with John Peacock's U17s reaching the quarter finals in Mexico in 2011, as well as the European Championship Finals in Serbia during the same campaign.
Pitchside highlights of Sterling in action for England against Denmark
And he quickly rose through the Anfield ranks, which the Jamaica-born player admits was quite daunting to start with.
"When you are training with Gerrard and [Luis] Suarez it is a bit nerve-wracking," he told the Barclays Premier League Podcast.
"But after a while you get used to it and you start being yourself and start expressing yourself.
"I think like I am getting into that zone where I feel I can express myself to the fullest, not be shy and come out of my shell and it has really helped me.
"I am really settled and really happy to be in the team."
Sterling could be in action with England next on Friday 30 May when Peru are the opponents at Wembley Stadium.
Tickets for that game are on sale now. Click here for further details.
