Sterling believes composure was the key to Colombia victory

The last-16 match against Colombia was notable for its physicality and aggression, with England defender John Stones accusing the South American team of being the "dirtiest" team he's ever played against.

The referee came under criticism from both sets of players with Falcao accusing him of favouring England and English fans blaming him for not punishing Wilmar Barrios's headbutt of Jordan Henderson, but Sterling believes that his side should get credit for how they reacted regardless of the refereeing errors.

"We just keep going, black that out and focus on the football. They're a physical team. They were trying to do everything they could to get into our heads but we kept cool heads and that's the most important thing," Sterling said. 

"It's up to the ref to clamp down it and we can't really get involved in it.

Sterling also faced issues personally in the game, as Colombia's fitness coach Eduardo Julio Urtasun was seen trying to intimidate the player as he went towards the tunnel at the end of the first 45 minutes.

"I just remember running in and someone stepped in front of me," he recalled.

"There were a couple of times when I went over for a drinks break and he kept saying something. Obviously I don't speak Spanish so I didn't understand but then there was half-time too. I just kind of looked back at him, but we knew their game plan and exactly what they were trying to do."

England managed to triumph in the match following a penalty shootout, and Sterling believes that the ability to remain calm in the game will hold them in good stead heading forward in to their quarter final.

That match will come against Sweden on Saturday, with the winner going on to play either Russia or Croatia in the semi finals of the tournament.