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Gary Lineker has leapt to the defence of Raheem Sterling in the wake of England's dismal Euro 2016 exit.

The Three Lions tumbled out of the tournament last week following defeat to Iceland with Manchester City star Sterling taking the brunt of the criticism.

But former England star Lineker feels that while Sterling wasn't at his best in France he doesn't deserve the flak he is currently getting.

"Some nasty, personal attacks in parts of the media towards Raheem Sterling," the BBC presenter tweeted.

(Image: PA)

"Not at his best but hardly his fault England lost. Get off his case."

Lineker's comments come as it is understood Sterling will not quit international duty.

But a source close to the 21-year-old said: “Raheem hasn’t even thought about turning his back on England.

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(Image: Alex Livesey)

“He is determined that the experience will make him stronger – as it did to players like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney when they were blamed for England’s problems in the past.”

But Sterling’s confidence has taken a battering.

He sought help from England psychologist Steve Peters in France, while new Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola felt compelled to phone him at the Three Lions’ camp in Chantilly to give him his full backing.

(Image: Bongarts/Getty)

One of Guardiola’s first tasks is to rebuild the youngster’s belief.

Sterling was signed from Liverpool by City sporting director Txiki Begiristain in a £49million deal last summer and there is an acceptance at the club that next season Sterling has to start delivering on the potential that they have invested so heavily in.