England boss Roy Hodgson has avoided evoking the wrath of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers by leaving striker Daniel Sturridge out of the Three Lions squad for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers.
The 25-year old, who injured his thigh while training with the international set-up during his last spell away from league action, is yet to return for the embattled Reds who are without a win in their last three domestic outings and floundering in the Champions League. In the immediate aftermath of the injury, Rodgers had some stern words for the England management and his line has only continued to stiffened as the full brunt of Sturridge’s injury is felt at Anfield.
“I spoke to Roy. I am not sure if Daniel will be fit for the weekend so I think at this moment he won’t be in the squad” said the Northern Irishman when asked before the squad was announced if the injured striker would be called up to play for his country even if he wasn’t quite up to par in the fitness stakes. “I think over the next couple of weeks Daniel has to get up to speed and hopefully after the international break he will be able to play for us, which is the priority.”
Although he’s only been at Anfield, and a regular part of the England set-up, for a short while, this isn’t the first time Sturridge has been involved in a club vs country row. It’s not too often you get to credit Hodgson for doing the right thing, he’s got it spot on this time — though you get the feeling this won’t be the last tug-of-war we have with him.
