Brent World Cup star Raheem Sterling has lifted the lid on the Wembley tattoo that foretold his England career.

Sterling is out in Brazil making waves as part of the Three Lions squad but his journey to superstardom began just a stone’s throw away from the home of English football.

The 19-year-old Liverpool winger grew up in the shadow of the famous arch on the St Raphael’s Estate in Neasden.

His connection with his boyhood area runs so deep that the youngster felt compelled to commit his roots to ink.

Sterling’s left arm is home to a tattoo which depicts a young boy, wearing a number 10 shirt, looking up Wembley Way at the enormous stadium.

“I’ve got a tattoo of the stadium, a young boy with a football in his hands looking at the stadium and saying it’s a dream,” explained the former Oakington Manor and Copland Community School pupil.

“‘The stadium was literally round the corner and I’ve always wanted to play for England and be the best I can be.

England's Raheem Sterling and manager Roy Hodgson
Talking tactics: England's Raheem Sterling and manager Roy Hodgson

“I grew up five minutes away from the stadium. I used to ride my bike around this little car park and I used to say to myself: ‘One day, when this stadium is built, I’d like to play in there’. I am really  grateful to be given that opportunity.”

Sterling was the star of the show as England fell short against Italy in their opening.

His dribbling and enthusiasm shone through, however it appears likely Sterling will be shifted out wide for tomorrow’s crunch clash with Uruguay to accommodate Wayne Rooney.

"I would be happy to play anywhere the manager puts me," Sterling added.

"I am a team player. I will be working for the team regardless of which position I play in.

"I don't think the team was built around me necessarily. I just think the manager thought that was the right position for me at the time, with my pressing and my closing down."

Read the incredible story of Sterling's rise to the World Cup here.