Raheem Sterling’s testing first season at Manchester City has been a “massive learning curve”, making him mentally stronger and all the more determined to make his mark with England this summer.

An ugly transfer saga ended last July as the 21-year-old became the most expensive Englishman ever in swapping Liverpool for the Etihad Stadium.

The £49 million price tag appears to have weighed heavy on Sterling, though, as he managed just 23 league starts for Manchester City, with a groin injury resulting in him missing a chunk of the season finale.

The winger found that more frustrating than the season as a whole, although he feels a better player for his campaign in Manchester.

“It was frustrating when the injury kicked in and frustrating getting back into the team,” Sterling said.

“But that’s what happens when you’ve got top players around you, you’ve got to work to get back into the team.

“There was not one point I was worried and I was really looking forward to coming away with England and hopefully book a place on the way to France.

“I’ve learned quite a bit going into City for my first year. It was a massive learning curve and I’ll take that into next season.

“I think I’m improving, yeah, definitely.”

Among those commenting on Sterling is fellow Jamaica-born dribbler John Barnes, who believes he has more of a chance of doing well for England than City right now.

The Londoner certainly has Hodgson’s trust and the Three Lions manager wants him to show his array of skills at Euro 2016.

“It’s really a positive when the manager tells you every time you get the ball that he wants you to go forwards,” Sterling said.

“It’s really good. Every training session if I don’t go forward the manager kind of has a dig at me so that’s something I’m relishing and something I really enjoy.”