RAHEEM Sterling says England are shutting out the “noise” and “panic” from outside their Euro 2020 camp after their laboured goalless draw against Scotland.
The Manchester City forward was part of Gareth Southgate’s team that was booed off the pitch at Wembley on Friday and came in for widespread criticism from elsewhere.
But the 26-year-old, who scored the only goal in England’s opening win against Croatia last week, said the players knew how to ignore the external pressure.
“I do feel there’s a bit of an overreaction... I just feel there’s more of a panic on the outside than inside the building,” he said.
“At the same the players who have been at a few tournaments, who have huge experience, try to help the other ones.
“I don’t see anyone in the camp that feels any pressure or feels hard done by. As much as we can inside the building the best thing we can do is focus on the training field, focus on what’s being doing inside.”
“The more you listen to outside noise, the more it can affect you,” he added.
Despite the disappointing result against Scotland, England can top Group D if they beat the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday.
That would guarantee a last-16 tie at Wembley, though it would be against world champions France, Germany or defending champions Portugal. — AFP
