England forward Raheem Sterling has insisted that he is "happy to play anywhere" ahead of his side's must-win World Cup clash with Uruguay on Thursday.

Sterling put in an impressive display when playing just behind the striker during England's 2-1 defeat to Italy on Saturday, although Wayne Rooney looked out of sorts having been ousted from his favoured position.

Much of the talk ahead of Thursday's crucial Group D clash has centred around Rooney's role in the team, and Sterling stressed that he would not have a problem with moving out to the wing in order to accommodate the Manchester United man in a more central position.

"I would be happy to play anywhere the manager puts me," Sterling is quoted as saying by PA.

"I am a team player. I will be working for the team regardless of which position I play in. I don't think the team was built around me necessarily.

"I just think the manager thought that was the right position for me at the time, with my pressing and my closing down."

Saturday's match against Italy was Sterling's competitive debut and fifth overall appearance for the Three Lions.