Sterling was the one England player who returned from their World Cup failure in Brazil with his stock greatly enhanced and the teenage star will carry the hopes of Liverpool fans still grieving the loss of Luis Suarez.
"The physical side is part of the game,' said Sterling to the Daily Mail.
"You are going to get defenders who want to let you know they are there, make you feel their presence.
"I've got to keep my temper, stay calm and try to play the game the way I think it should be played. If I can play well and score, they will know it's not all about being physical.
"I will definitely be keeping a cool temperament and doing my best for the team."