World Cup

Steven Gerrard: 'Daniel Sturridge can produce for England'

By Liam Power, Reporter | 08 October 2013

England captain Steven Gerrard insists that Liverpool teammate Daniel Sturridge is primed to produce for his country in this week's pivotal World Cup qualifiers.

England skipper Steven Gerrard has declared that Liverpool teammate Daniel Sturridge is more than capable of reproducing his club form in crucial World Cup qualifiers at Wembley this week.

Sturridge has enjoyed a superb start to the campaign at Anfield, scoring eight goals in nine games across all competitions.

Gerrard has backed Sturridge to seize a chance to impress on the international stage if called upon by Roy Hodgson for crucial clashes with Montenegro and Poland, with England's World Cup fate in the balance.

He told The Mirror: "You've got to understand he was playing as a wide forward at Chelsea. He scored quite a few goals from there but the team was built around Didier Drogba, and understandably so.

"But ever since Daniel's come to Liverpool, the manager has played him as the nine, as the main man, and as a result he's flourished. I'm sure if he's given that nine role for England he can produce for England as well.

"I don't think Daniel has any doubts in his own ability. If he's fit and available he will be confident he can deliver at this level."

The 24-year-old has scored once in six appearances for his country, with a solitary goal coming in an 8-0 rout over San Marino in March.