Beckham becomes latest ex-England star to defend Sterling

Oli Fisher

David Beckham has fired back at critics of Raheem Sterling, insisting the forward deserves to be applauded.

Sterling has started each of England’s games at the World Cup in Russia aside from the final group game, a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.

But the Manchester City forward has come in for criticism, including after the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Sweden.

Gary Neville lashed out at the “absolutely disgusting” scrutiny Sterling faces, and former England captain Beckham also implored the country to get behind the team.

“Haven’t seen this but whatever it is its wrong,’ he wrote on his Instagram account.

“We are in the semi-final of a World Cup. Every player deserves to be applauded.

“We as a country are united behind the team.”

 

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