Kevin De Bruyne has sprung to the defence of his Manchester City teammate Raheem Sterling.

The England winger has come under criticism from some fans and sections of the press in recent months over his performances at international level.

Sterling has also found himself under attack for off-the-pitch subjects, including his decision to get a tattoo of an assault rifle on his leg.

"Raheem has done really well in the games I saw," De Bruyne told the Manchester Evening News. "He hasn't scored goals, but not everything in football is about goals.

"Raheem is a wonderful player. He's an easy-going guy who gives everything for everyone, even with the criticism.

"Personally, I don't understand why you would criticise people from your own country when all they are trying to do is win it."

The two Man City players lined up against one another at the World Cup as Belgium beat England in Group G and in Saturday's third-place playoff.