Raheem Sterling says Pep Guardiola is taking his game to another level.

The City and England winger has scored 20 goals from 31 starts and has been in inspired form all season and is close to doubling his previous season-best goals tally of 11.

But the Blues’ forward says he is yet to replicate his club form at international level.

Speaking ahead of England’s game with Italy, Sterling said: “My form with City hasn’t really benefited England yet because I haven’t got to the levels I want to get to yet.

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“At City,  has been a massive help for me and it’s the same when I come away with England. Gareth (Southgate) is always trying to help the strikers by doing drills designed to improve our finishing and make us better players.

“I feel established with England but I’m still only young and learning and trying to develop my game

But as I say, at City, Pep has been fantastic with me.”

 

SOARING STERLING: Raheem in action against Holland
SOARING STERLING: Raheem in action against Holland

 

Regarding England’s form going into this summer’s World Cup, he added: “I think we have a good team.

“We have a new philosophy, thanks to the manager and the ideas that he’s bringing through.

“We’re trying to get our defensive unit sound and we’re a work in progress.

“But with the players we’ve got, and we’re all at a similar age and developing at the same time, we can hopefully go to Russia and play our game.

“To play against a team like Italy at Wembley, these are the games that are really exciting

“These are the matches where there will be attacking football and a bit more space, so these are the ones we could really test ourselves and see where we are as a team.”