Sterling ‘knows he has our support’ in tattoo furore, says Southgate

• England manager backs Sterling before Nigeria friendly
• Jesse Lingard says squad have ‘reassured’ Sterling

Gareth Southgate has backed Raheem Sterling to come through the controversy surrounding the player’s gun tattoo and stay focused on final preparations for the World Cup.

The 23-year-old Manchester City forward has been under intense scrutiny during the past week after it emerged he had a tattoo of a gun on his right leg. Sterling explained in an Instagram post that it was a tribute to his late father.

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