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Raheem Sterling insists that a tough first season at Manchester City has given him a harder edge.

The England forward accepts he has struggled for consistency since moving to the Etihad - and that a lack of form and serious groin injury left him with work to do to make Roy Hodgson’s team for the Euros.

But Sterling, targeted by rival fans for the way he forced his £49million departure from Liverpool last summer and criticised for failing to make his mark in City’s squad of superstars, believes he has emerged a better player.

And, while he was careful not to blame Manuel Pellegrini for his troubles at City, the way the 21-year-old praised Hodgson for getting the best out of him spoke volumes.

“I’ve learned quite a bit going from my first year at City,” said Sterling. It has been a massive learning curve and I’ll definitely take that into next season.

In pictures - England 2-1 Australia:

“I’m improving. I haven’t scored as many goals or assisted as many goals as I’ve wanted to, but I’m definitely improving, especially mentally.

“That’s the most important thing for me – my mentality to not to really listen outsiders and to just concentrate on myself and be myself and express myself.

“It was frustrating when the injury kicked in and it was hard getting back into the City team - but that’s what happens when you’ve got top players around you.

“There was not one point I was really worried because I was really looking forward to coming away with England and hopefully book a place at France.

“I wouldn’t really say I had a point to prove, it was just about playing my game, because after working with Roy over the last few years he knows me well.

“Hopefully I have shown him that I’ve got something to have a positive impact in the tournament.”

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff)

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While Sterling struggled at times to deliver on the demands of Pellegrini at City, it is clear that he responds well to the England boss.

There were signs that the 21-year-old is finding his form at just the right time as England beat Australia 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on Friday night in their penultimate friendly before travelling to France.

And the way Sterling linked up with Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford on the teenager’s full international debut was encouraging.

He set up goals for Rashford and Wayne Rooney.

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Sterling said: “It’s really positive when the manager tells you every time you get the ball that he wants you to go forward.

“It’s really good. In every training session, if I don’t go forward then the manager has a real dig at me.

“That’s something I’m relishing and something I enjoy. When someone really pushes you to want to go forward and play.

“I’m most definitely enjoying my football. I played more centrally against Australia and it’s a position I can get in behind and get closer to goal.

“Sometimes I get drawn into staying out too wide, but when I come inside I can get closer to the box and start creating things.”

(Image: PA Wire)

Sterling added: “It was good to see Marcus Rashford come in and have such a good debut and I’m really looking forward to playing and working with him over the coming years.

“I’m really impressed with his finishing. He makes his decisions early. He really is a quality finisher.

“I said to him in the changing room that when I got on the ball he should try to get in behind and that when he was on the ball I would try to do the same.

“It was the first game and it probably wasn’t the best link-up, but there were signs that we will improve.”