Sterling's goal joy
Raheem Sterling admitted he was delighted to help England U17s get their World Cup campaign off to a flier after finding the back of the net against Rwanda on Sunday.
The Liverpool winger capped a fine display with a well-taken 86th minute strike to add to Hallam Hope's opener and secure a 2-0 victory for the Three Lions in Mexico.
"I thought it was a great team performance, the boys played really well," said Sterling.
"I would like to thank them all for supporting me through a rough patch too, as I haven't scored for England in a while. It was good to get the goal and I am really pleased that we started the tournament with a win."
He added: "It was a bit of a relief to score, I tried to be patient after hitting the post and having a few chances in the first-half. But I thought it was coming, waited for my chance to come, and it did and I was grateful for it."
Next up for England U17s is Canada at midnight Thursday (UK time), where victory would see the Three Lions seal qualification from the group stages.
And while John Peacock's side are clear favourites for the contest, Sterling has warned against the dangers of complacency.
"I am confident, but not over-confident so we will take it step-by-step with our recovery which the coaches have prepared for us," he said.
"We have to take it bit-by-bit as the tournament goes on, and look to get another win against Canada on Wednesday."
Click on the play button to watch Raheem Sterling's best moments of 2010-11
