With England boss Roy Hodgson set to name his squad for the Three Lion’s final Euro-2016 qualifying matches against Estonia and Lithuania next month, rumour has it that Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge won’t be among the players selected by the 68-year old with their spot in the tournament already assured.
The Reds striker hit a brace against Aston Villa last weekend, but his fitness remains fragile after missing almost the entirety of the previous campaign due to injury. While Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that the hip surgery the 26-year old underwent in May will finally put an end to the his recurring muscle problems, he’s also keen on protecting his star striker with the Northern Irishman set to give him a rest when FC Sion visit Anfield in the Europa League later today.
Hodgson, it would seem, is of a similar mindset. That Sturridge’s initial injury problems stemmed from a spell with the national team last August won’t be forgotten anytime soon and the former Reds boss, who understands fury and a Scouser scorned better than most, is apparently looking to keep his working relationship with the Anfield outfit amicable. Despite wanting to reintegrate the 26-year as soon as possible, according to the rumour mill, the England boss will let him further his recovery instead — leading Rodgers to insist that it wasn’t on his request.
“We have just got to make sure that we don’t break him at this stage. He is recovering from the game at the weekend and he is still building himself towards fitness. But what he gives us is that real quality in the final third,” he said of Sturridge in his Europa League press call. “I haven’t spoken with the FA. I wouldn’t have any concern about him being selected,” explained Rodgers. “Daniel is back in the fold now and he is obviously one of the top English strikers.”
