The Football Association has offered its support to Raheem Sterling after the England forward got a tattoo of a gun on his right leg.

The Manchester City player said the tattoo had a "deeper meaning" after criticism from anti-gun campaigners.

The 23 year old said on Instagram it reflected a vow to "never touch a gun" after his father was shot dead when he was a boy.

An FA spokesperson said: "We all support Sterling and acknowledge the honest and heartfelt account he gave."

The statement added: "He and the rest of the squad are focused solely on preparing for the forthcoming World Cup."