Gary Neville: Raheem Sterling was treated differently to other England players at Euro 2016

Neville compared the unfair way Sterling has been treated to that of his former teammate Ashley Cole

Gary Neville revealed that he spoke to Raheem Sterling about the “vicious attacks” the Manchester City striker received during England’s Euro 2016 campaign.

Neville was part of England’s coaching set-up for the tournament and made the revelation on Sky Sports Monday Night Football in the wake Sterling being allegedly subjected to racist abuse during City’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

And Neville stated that he believed the criticism of Sterling was different to other members of the squad.

“He came to see me one-on-one in 2016,” Neville said. “About three days before Iceland game. Pre-tournament he was getting battered, so much stick. Fans, media were on to him. That continued into the stadiums. Groans, boos.

“He accepted that he would be scrutinised for being an England player, he didn’t want any special treatment. But it was so vicious, he felt so targeted and he didn’t know what to do about it.

“I saw somebody who is tough but has a level of vulnerability. You would not be able to deal with that in one session. But maybe I did brush it aside, to be honest with you.”

Neville also noted the difference in how Raheem Sterling and former international teammate Ashley Cole have been treated in comparison to other England stars.

“I have seen a lot over the years, I have lived closely with Beckham and Rooney,” Neville continued. “Out of the ‘Golden Generation’, the only one that was world class in his position is Ashley Cole but he has become a football refugee, seeking asylum in the USA.

“Gazza, Beckham were hero-worshipped when they were good. When Ashley or Raheem play that good they don’t get the appreciation.

“There have been times on this show we have not taken the subject [of racism] on. I don’t think it is an undertone, I think it is blatant.”

“We tried to patch him up really – you’d never really be dealing with the underlining issue, and maybe you never would be able to in that sort of session – but actually reflecting now, maybe even brushing it aside a little bit, being honest with you.

“[We would say] ‘Raheem you’re strong, that’s why you play for England, you’re good enough, you’ve played all of your career, it’s happened to players before you’.

“But really deep down understanding that there was a level – there was a tonal difference to the attacks he was getting compared to others.