‘The lack of experience was costly’
ENGLAND star Raheem
Sterling has admitted a lack experience could have ruined their Euros dream.
Sterling says England are still learning and improving under Gareth Southgate but some of the players do not play in the biggest games and that could have been crucial after the heart- breaking penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the final.
“There are so many reasons why you might not win,” said Manchester City forward Sterling. “Maybe the lack of experience of being in those high pressure situations by a lot of the boys.
“I don’t want to say it in a way that comes across like we crumbled. It was probably just a different experience for a lot of us.
“It’s learning experiences. Reaching the semi-finals of a World Cup, the final of a Euros.
“Every time we can try to improve and I do genuinely believe that every time we meet up we are improving and the consistency since the manager did come in, you can see small steps that we are taking. We just have to stay consistent.”
Sterling has also admitted that he has taken a deliberate “step back” from talking about racism and was more concerned about the well- being of his teammates who missed penalties.
Barriers
He also says Southgate’s ability to break down the barriers between the players and the media has been crucial in England’s revival.
“There is a great unity in the team,” he said. “I keep saying that since Gareth came in he’s made the camp so enjoyable.
“Before, it was a sense of fear when the players used to come. It was the media against players. That’s how a lot of the players felt.
“And since Gareth has come in he’s really made the camp relaxed. I will never forget he did a thing where the press came in, all the players were there and it was just an easy environment to be in.
“I didn’t feel like it was them against us. That has been the biggest issue with the national team for many years. That relationship between the players and the media.
“We’ve broken that now. It’s enjoyable coming here now. Seeing people from the press, speaking to them, it doesn’t feel like there is anybody out to get you.”