Raheem Sterling reveals pre-game ritual ahead of World Cup

The Three Lions star is expected to have a place in Gareth Southgate’s lineup.

Raheem Sterling has revealed he prepares for games by doing meditation and breathing exercises.

Sterling ended his successful spell at Manchester City to join Chelsea last summer. However, he has struggled to impress in his first few months at Stamford Bridge.

The England international says the criticism he receives only motivates him to do better.

“What’s made me the person I am today is all the setbacks I’ve had. All the “can’ts” — you can’t do this, you can’t do that, you’re not good enough. Those sort of things always drive me,” Sterling to Daily Mail.

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Sterling will most likely maintain his starting spot in England’s lineup despite his underwhelming start to the new season.

The World Cup’s immense pressure sometimes leads to unforgettable blunders and misses. But Sterling’s meditation habit might help him to deal better with the situation.

“It’s something I do every day,” Sterling added. “I focus on my breathing and concentrate on getting to a space where it’s quiet. The more I don’t think about the game and go about my everyday life, the better.”

Asked whether he gets superstitious before games, he responded: “If I score, I’ll try to wear the same trainers with my tracksuit to the next game. If I don’t score it’s going back in the closet!”