The Football Association has underlined its support for Raheem Sterling after the England forward's gun tattoo came under scrutiny.
The body art was highlighted on the front page of Tuesday's edition of The Sun, with the 23-year-old defending it through a post on Instagram.
An FA spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon: "We all support Raheem Sterling and acknowledge the honest and heartfelt account he gave via Instagram last night.
"He and the rest of the squad are focused solely on preparing for the forthcoming World Cup."
👏 @sterling7 pic.twitter.com/YP5R6lt8xc
— England (@England) May 28, 2018
The Manchester City player had his say on the report shortly after its publication via an Instagram Stories post.
Sterling wrote: "When I was 2 my father died from being gunned down to death I made a promise to myself I would never touch a gun in my life time, I shoot with my right foot so it has a deeper meaning N still unfinished."
England face Nigeria in a World Cup warm-up friendly at Wembley on Saturday, with Sterling and his team-mates currently preparing at St George's Park.
