Raheem Sterling has been left furious over a PR gaffe saying he will captain England against Netherlands on Thursday night.
Sterling, who is earning his 50th cap in the Uefa Nations League semi-final, was mystified when he saw the news had originated from people connected to his own camp on Tuesday night.
Sterling was stunned to see that Purple PR, who work on behalf of Colossal Sports Management, had issued a press release saying he will wear the armband for Gareth Southgate’s side on Thursday evening.
When asked to explain how this had taken place, he replied: “I couldn't tell you that. I woke up this morning fuming.
“I had a conversation with Gareth. I hadn't had a conversation with anyone in my agency, so it was a strange one to wake up to.
“The first thing I did after I came off the phone to my agent was see Gareth down the hallway, and I apologised to him for what had happened. I don't know where that's come from.
“(Being captain) that's something that's down to the manager, not for me to decide. But if the manager did do that, it's something I'd be proud and happy to do for sure. That's up to the manager.”
The story hasn’t overshadowed Sterling’s achievement of reaching a half-century of caps at the age of just 24 years old.
The Manchester City star is in the form of his life and has finally earned the respect of the nation for his performances for club and country.
It is a complete contrast to the World Cup last year where he was criticised for his displays as well as when pictures were released ahead of the tournament which showed he had a gun tattoo on his leg.
Sterling admits it was one of the lowest moments of his time with the national side, but is delighted to bounce back.
After being invited to talk about his lowest point with England, he explained: “Probably pre-tournament, World Cup, last summer regarding the tattoo on my leg.
“It came off the back of a season where I thought I'd done well and I was really looking forward to going to the tournament on a positive note. To get that backlash was a real down for me and I had to pick myself up from there.
“You learn and pick yourself up and go again. After the World Cup I switched off, picked up my focus and went again for my club, trying to play the football I know I can play, and not dwell on the past.
“I feel grown up. I've watched a lot of England games, and I always had a dream to play for them.
“I never thought I'd be in with a chance to make a 50th cap. A massive achievement for me, and something I'll cherish for the rest of my life, and so will my family.”
