Gareth Southgate has come out to defend Raheem Sterling after the attacker was criticised for having a tattoo of a machine gun on his leg.
The England boss was speaking to the press ahead of his side's clash against Nigeria on Saturday night, and he was full of praise for the 23-year-old.
"Raheem's very strong. I had a good, deep conversation with him to see how he was," Southgate said via Football 365.
"He knows he has our support.
"For me, a tattoo's like any work of art - the meaning is with the person. He's not someone who wants to promote guns as was perceived at first.
"He has a very strong character and he is focused on his football.
Southgate has stuck up for Sterling over a fiasco which was bred on certain sections of the British media singling out and attacking a player for no reason.
Sterling got a tattoo of a gun on his leg to commemorate his father, who was killed by a gun when he was just a child. The print signifies to the Manchester City player that violence is never the answer, especially around guns.
"I think the personal story of a lot of our players is quite remarkable and people will highlight the issues and faults of all of the squad but for so many of them its incredible they've got to the point they have and they are a great example to kids about what you can achieve in life if you're dedicated and focused.
"Of course they have talent but there's more needed and Raheem embodies that because nothing is given to you in life and you have to fight all the way.
Sterling has done tremendously with his charity work. The youngster has generally been a positive figure for England. We're sure he'll smash it at the World Cup this summer.
What do you make of Southgate's comments? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, England, World Cup