Steven Gerrard has warned against too much pressure being placed on Liverpool and England star Raheem Sterling, comparing the focus on the teenager to that placed on England captain Wayne Rooney when he first broke into the side.
Sterling has become the focal point for both Liverpool and England over the past 12 months, and Gerrard hopes the 19-year-old does not feel the huge pressure placed on him.
The former England captain was speaking about current skipper Wayne Rooney ahead of England’s latest European qualifer.
He said: “It is almost a compliment to Wayne because he is so good and the press know on his day he is a world-class player who can create magical moments.
“It is only normal he is getting all the attention. Wayne has had it for years but he has handled it well.
“But I think maybe our country is guilty of putting too much pressure and spotlight on any one individual.
“You start to see similar things now with Raheem Sterling.
“It has always been the way; the media and punters try to grasp onto that one hero and hope he is going to be the person who makes everyone happy at a major tournament.”
