Former England captain Steven Gerrard has told ITV Sport too much hype is generated around young stars breaking into the national team, and has warned fans and the press against turning Raheem Sterling into their new "hero."
The recently-retired international saw it first with Wayne Rooney, who succeeded him as skipper and is set to make his 100th appearance in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier.
Rooney made his debut aged just 17 -- as did Sterling just over two years ago -- having arrived on the scene as a teenager at Everton.
The now-Manchester United striker has been held up as England's match-winner ever since, and while Gerrard does not think it is helpful for all the focus to be on young players, he accepts Rooney's talent means he has commanded centre-stage for a long time.
"It is his own fault for being so good," Gerrard, who won 114 caps himself, said. "It is almost a compliment to Wayne because he is so good and the press know on his day he is a world-class player who can create magical moments.
"It is only normal he is getting all the attention. Wayne has had it for years but he has handled it well. But I think maybe our country is guilty of putting too much pressure and spotlight on any one individual.
"You start to see similar things now with Raheem Sterling. It has always been the way; the media and punters try to grasp onto that one hero and hope he is going to be the person who makes everyone happy at a major tournament."
Sterling was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons during the last international break after he told England manager Roy Hodgson he was feeling tired ahead of the qualifier in Estonia, leading to debate over his fitness.