England coach Gareth Southgate believes Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling has stepped up his game since his double against Spain.

Sterling is arguably playing the best football of his life with his two goals, one a brilliant strike, helping ­England to that fantastic 3-2 win in Spain last month.

Southgate said: “I am really pleased for Raheem ­because he is in outstanding form. We have huge belief in him and that belief in his own game is coming now.

“We have been happy with his performances for a long time. The missing piece was his goal tally and you can see what it meant to him to score twice in Seville. That was a big psychological barrier overcome and he has continued that form with his club."

City boss Pep Guardiola said Sterling used to be scared in front of goal, and Southgate added: “Well, I'm not going to disagree with Pep Guardiola, that wouldn't be a good route to go down.

“In any sport you're at your best when you're playing without thinking too much and that's what he did in ­Seville. He got his chance and just hit it.

“You want all players to be free of overthinking."