England's tattoo collection: The Three Lions who have gone under the needle

Headlines were made this week after England international Raheem Sterling added to his tattoo collection and had an M16 rifle emblazoned on his right leg.

The Manchester City man defended his actions, explaining the artwork was a tribute to his late father who was shot down when he was just a youngster.

As the tattoo conversation continues ahead of England's departure to Russia for the World Cup, Sportsmail takes a look at the other inked stars in the Three Lions squad.

JORDAN PICKFORD

Has a left-arm sleeve which includes a dagger and flowers.

FABIAN DELPH

Has ‘Family Forever’ across his chest with a pair of wings. A sleeve on both arms and on right ribcage someone holding a cross.

PHIL JONES

Has a tattoo on the outside of his upper right arm and also has one on the inside of his lower right arm.

DANNY ROSE

Writing on right-hand ribcage. Also has sleeves on both arms: left arm has full sleeve while right inside forearm is completely covered with a picture of a woman.

JOHN STONES

Has a picture of his girlfriend Millie Savage with a clock over her mouth on left tricep. Left arm has tattoo reading: ‘Love you always’. Left thigh has picture of an old man — reportedly ex-Barnsley favourite Norman Rimmington. Known as ‘Mr Barnsley’, he was player, coach and kit man until past the age of 90. Also has two other faces on left thigh with roses surrounding them.

KIERAN TRIPPIER

Has a big diamond in the middle of his chest. Left arm has full sleeve while his right forearm is covered with picture of a woman.

KYLE WALKER

Has sleeves on both arms and multiple tattoos across torso. On his right arm one tattoo reads: ‘To the stars through difficulties.’ The middle of the sleeve has an eye in tribute to his late grandad who took him to Sheffield United. Has birthday of youngest son Riaan across his midriff in Roman numerals, with the hand and footprint of eldest son Roman just above. An angel holding a child on his right shoulder pays tribute to his sister’s baby, who passed away.

ASHLEY YOUNG

Has full sleeve on left arm and in March 2017 added the face of a tiger on his left hand. He says it’s his favourite animal and would love one as a pet. Sleeve also on right arm.

DELE ALLI

Has a picture of Bamm-Bamm Rubble from The Flintstones on left forearm — Dele’s first name is Bamidele. Tattoo on inside of right bicep too.

JORDAN HENDERSON

Has a commemorative piece on his left ribcage listing the names and dates of birth of his two daughters.

RAHEEM STERLING

Several tattoos on arms, one showing a young boy on Wembley Way, looking up at national stadium with a ball under his arm and No 10 on his shirt. Another includes Wembley Park, his local Underground station. He also has ‘Thank you mama for the nine months you carried me, through all the pain and suffering,’ inked on his biceps in tribute to his mother Nadine, who brought him up single-handedly when they moved to Britain from Jamaica.

JAMIE VARDY

Pocket watch on left ribs depicting time and date of birth of daughter Sofia, cupped in a hand with roses. Has four other tattoos including two on his back. One reads ‘Carpe Diem’ and another reads ‘Vardy’.

NONE

Jack Butland, Nick Pope, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gary Cahill, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck.