Raheem Sterling wants to become England’s all-time leading Champions League scorer

Raheem Sterling has eyes on hunting down Wayne Rooney’s English goalscoring record in Europe.

The Manchester City forward has notched 23 times in the Champions League – level with Chelsea legend Frank Lampard and one shy of Paul Scholes.

Rooney is out on his own on 30 goals but Sterling, hoping to start Tuesday’s semi-final first leg against Real Madrid – believes he is capable of scaling those heights.

The Manchester City forward has scored 23 goals in the competition’s history so far

‘It’s like anything, when you make your professional debut, then it’s on to the next thing it’s scoring your first goal and so on,’ Sterling said. ‘As a human you always have to try and do better and that’s the case with me every season.

‘I try to see how I can improve. I am trying to see if I can get the England record and that’s what I’ll try to do.

‘This is a special competition, a competition every youngster wants to play in. Every time I play, I try to give my best. The music and atmosphere on the night – it’s always special.’ 

Sterling has won every domestic trophy at City and feels more valued after a more fruitful campaign.

‘As a player, to be playing and scoring and making assists – contributing to the team – is a massive thing,’ he added.

‘That’s where you get confidence from, I’m trying to contribute as much as I can. The Champions League is the one we haven’t quite got our hands on and are focusing on.

‘I’m just happy to be playing, happy to be contributing with the team. I think that’s the most important thing.

‘At this point, I think it would be selfish of me to speak of any contract situation and I’m just happy to be playing football and see where we are at the end of the season.’

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney (right) tops the list with 30 goals for an Englishman