Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has declared that Daniel Sturridge has all the tools to become England's first-choice striker if he works hard this season.
Sturridge has continued his strong finish to last season in a fine start to the new campaign for Liverpool, scoring in successive wins over Stoke City and Aston Villa.
Rodgers believes that Sturridge is thriving with the responsibility of starring in a central role for the first time in his career, with a new-found confidence and work ethic fuelling impressive performances for the Reds.
He told the Daily Mail: "At his other clubs, he was a young player among superstars. Your ego is out there. You're trying to position yourself where you think you are. Here, he's comfortable. He knows where he sits. He has the confidence of a manager who has always believed in him.
"He's not been used to playing. We told him he needed to throw the dice, to get on the training pitch every day. The rest will take care of itself. As long as he continues, he's a big threat for any team. You look at what he has, with his physique, pace and power, you think he is Brazilian.
"He's a really good footballer as well, not just a goalscorer. You see his movement, his touch. Strikers are judged on goals and his record is very good. He's got a lot more to do, but there's no question he's potentially the top English striker. England are fortunate to have him as he's a big talent. I've no doubt he will be a massive asset for England."
The 23-year-old has played six times for his country, scoring his only international goal to date against San Marino in March.
Liam Power
