Raheem Sterling criticised for terrible miss in early stages of England vs Wales

ENGLAND fans took no time in expressing their dislike for Raheem Sterling - again.

The Manchester City winger was heavily criticised for his performance against Russia in the opening game of Euro 2016 and it took less than 10 minutes for fans to turn on him in Lens.

Supporters of the Three Lions didn't even want Sterling to start in this game - SunSport readers would have preferred Jamie Vardy on the left - while 'No Vardy' quickly became a top trend on social media after the team news was announced.

It didn't get any better for Sterling once the action actually started.

He first came under the spotlight when trying to control a long Joe Hart drop-kick, completely missing his touch and allowing Chris Gunter to clear.

A couple of minutes later he had a huge chance to hit back at all those fans who had criticised.

Harry Kane set Adam Lallana free down the right wing and the Liverpool man found a brilliant cross for the onrushing Sterling.

But Sterling completely fluffed his lines.

The ball may have bounced just in front but Sterling really should have done better - the winger completely mistimed his volley, hitting it off his heel to send the shot flying over the bar.

It was the best chance of a cagey opening 20 minutes as both teams sat back wanting to give little away.

Fans inside the ground weren't much kinder, moaning at the winger when he was easily dispossessed later in the first-half.

Roy Hodgson waited until half-time but had clearly seen enough - withdrawing the winger, along with Harry Kane, for Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy.

Sterling managed just 21 touches in a dreadful first-half display, where he failed to beat a man with his dribble, sent over two poor crosses and didn't create a chance.