David Beckham defended Raheem Sterling after the Manchester City winger was criticised again on social media during England's 2-0 win over Sweden in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Sterling was England's most dangerous attacking player in Samara, but attracted criticism online for missing a great chance after running onto Jordan Henderson's floated pass over the Swedish defence in the first half .
After the match Gary Neville pushed back by emphasising the positive aspects of Sterling's performance, and former England captain Beckham followed up by urging supporters to get behind the 23-year-old.
"Haven't seen this but whatever it is it's wrong," Beckham wrote on Instagram. "We are in the semi-final of a World Cup. Every player deserves to be applauded.
"We as a country are united behind the team..."
Sterling has been relentlessly singled out for criticism of both his performances and off-field decisions by certain sections of the media and the online community in recent years, and admitted prior to the World Cup that the barrage of negativity made him reluctant to leave his house.