IT seems ridiculous for Raheem Sterling to say he was too tired to play for England.

The pundits went to town after that comment from a 19 year-old and I can see their point. Kevin Keegan once told me he played 67 games in a whole season, during which six of his Liverpool teammates had played even more!

The game these days is undoubtedly a lot quicker and individuals vary.

Some have got to be used more sparingly until physically they catch up and Sterling, right, is a young forward targeted by tough-tackling defenders.

What was wrong was that the story got out. Conversations between a manager and player should stay in the dressing room. Lots of things happen behind the scenes that should stay there.

This is a good reminder that when involved with England you’re at the highest point of a huge pyramid and whispers can be magnified and exaggerated, as I’m sure this one was.