Ferdinand supports Sterling for saying he was too tired to play

Rio Ferdinand has come out in defence of Raheem Sterling after the Liverpool youngster only started on the bench for England's Euro 2016 qualifier with Estonia.

Sterling - tired, fair play to him. English players are normally too proud to do that unlike our foreign friends. #FreshWhenItMattersMost

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

Sterling complained of feeling tired ahead of the clash and did not complete training on Saturday before asking manager Roy Hodgson to be rested.

But former England and Man United defender Ferdinand has backed the 19-year-old's decision on Twitter, claiming English players are often 'too proud' to take time out to rest and believes it could benefit the youngster in the long run.

In a series of tweets, Ferdinand said: 'Sterling - tired, fair play to him. English players are normally too proud to do that unlike our foreign friends. #FreshWhenItMattersMost.

'For instance, (Carlos) Tevez would come in some days (at Manchester United) and sit on the massage bed while the team trained... "I'm tired... match day - firing & energised.

For instance, Tevez would come in some days and sit on the massage bed while the team trained..."I'm tired"..match day - firing & energised

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

'Either some real dumb heads on here or they just missed the point totally. Doing what's better for the team & yourself long term…

Either some real dumb heads on here or they just missed the point totally. Doing what's better for the team & yourself long term....👍

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

'With more rest at the right times throughout seasons (Wayne) Rooney would have gone into tournaments for England fresher 100%... Too proud again.

With more rest at the right times throughout seasons Rooney would have gone into tournaments for England fresher 100%.... Too proud again.

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

'Same could be said of (Steven) Gerrard, (Frank) Lampard, JT (John Terry), A. (Ashley) Cole, myself, etc. - all too proud to set out of training or a match with the bigger picture in mind.'

Same could be said of Gerard, Lampard, JT, A.Cole myself etc-all too proud to sit out of training or a match with the bigger picture in mind

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

Sterling only played 45 minutes in Thursday’s 5-0 win over San Marino, but he came on for Jordan Henderson after 64 minutes in Tallinn yesterday.