England coach Roy Hodgson has insisted that he has not lost faith in Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling.
The winger has been through a controversial season at Anfield, with the player drawing criticism for reportedly requesting a move away from the club having turned down a new £100,000-a-week deal.
"He is going through a bad time publicly but I have no reservations about playing him," said Hodgson after England's lacklustre draw with the Republic of Ireland.
"He has done some fantastic things for us. Against Ireland he maybe did not hit those heights but it will take a lot before I and the English national team lose faith in him."
Sterling is thought to be a target for fierce rivals Manchester United.
