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I was right to say Sterling was tired, insists Hodgson

Roy Hodgsons claims he has a very good relationship with Raheem Sterling © Getty Images

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England manager Roy Hodgson insists he "did nothing wrong" in publicly suggesting Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling was too tired to start in his side's Euro 2016 qualifier in Estonia.

Hodgson revealed to journalists that the teenager had intimated that he was suffering from fatigue in the build-up to the game in Tallinn last month, sparking criticism and ridicule for the Liverpool teenager.

The manager's judgement was also questioned as he came under fire from Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers, who said his player had been "hung out to dry" and has not responded to Hodgson's most recent telephone message.

"I speak to Raheem all the time and as far as I'm concerned that chapter, which was an unfortunate one, is over," Hodgson said.

"My personal view is [he was] unfairly treated and I am disappointed for him, he knows that. Our relationship is a very, very good one and if you say there are things to learn, we will probably both learn from them.

"I don't understand how it is a clear mistake to tell the truth when you are asked questions about why you haven't chosen a player. He did nothing wrong and, I have to be honest, I don't think I did anything wrong either. Other people may have different opinions.

"It is a chapter that is a month old, it lasted a week. A lot was done in that week, but as far as I'm concerned, I am really interested in the present and the future.

"All I will say is I have great respect for Raheem Sterling and I agree with Steven Gerrard: he is a player who is going to do wonderful things in the future. I'm happy that our relationship has been very good in the past and it will be very good in the future."

Sterling was named on Thursday in the latest England squad for the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia and the friendly against Scotland, with his role in the two games likely to be closely monitored.

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