Sterling is likely to be one of England's key performers at Euro 2020 this summer and former Spain striker Villa, golden boot winner in the 2008 tournament, can see how his former boss has influenced him.

Villa, who won the Champions League under Guardiola at Barcelona, said: "He is an amazing player, a very good player. He is young but he is playing in a top league in the top level.

"He has improved a lot from being close to Guardiola at Manchester City. I know perfectly Guardiola and this sort of initiation with a club. I think he will be one of the best players in Europe.

"I think Guardiola is great, not just because he takes trophies and victories, but because he always improves his players.

"I had the opportunity to be with him for a few years and I saw how special he is and, for sure, Sterling has improved being close to him. It is always great to have the opportunity to have a coach like Guardiola. They are very lucky to have been with him for a few years."

Villa was speaking in his role as an ambassador of Booking.com – official accommodation and attractions booking partner of UEFA EURO 2020.

Villa, 38, won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup with Spain but failed to recover from a broken leg in time to feature at Euro 2012.

Because of that he is well aware of the anguish two of England's leading forwards, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, as they battle to be fit for this summer's event.

Both players have been out of action since January with Tottenham striker Kane, the England captain, sidelined with a hamstring injury and Manchester United star Rashford nursing a stress fracture of the back.

Villa said: "As a soccer fan I hope both arrive to the Euros in the best condition possible because they are top players, amazing players. They are players that the people want to watch. Fans of football want to watch them.

"I know perfectly injuries. I know how hard it is. I only wish both players, Kane and Rashford, can arrive fit to join the roster, so every lover of soccer can enjoy them in the Euros."

:: Book and complete a stay with Booking.com before 31 March 2020 for the chance to win a night for two in the Booking.com Stadium Suite for the UEFA EURO 2020™ Final, as well as other amazing UEFA EURO 2020™ prizes. For more information, visit www.booking.com/stadiumsuite