• Premier League

Sturridge issues challenge to Drogba & Torres

ESPN staff
November 17, 2011
Daniel Sturridge is determined to win a regular start for Chelsea and then England © Getty Images
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Daniel Sturridge has thrown down the gauntlet to Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres by insisting he wants to be Chelsea's No. 9.

Sturridge has flourished at Stamford Bridge this season, having shown his class in front of goal during a loan spell at Bolton last term, but competition for places is fierce with Drogba, Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and Romelu Lukaku in the frame.

England boss Fabio Capello has been sufficiently impressed to include Sturridge in his plans, but the 22-year-old was deployed on the wing when replacing Theo Walcott during the friendly win over Sweden.

His record in front of goal this term, five goals from 11 appearances, is better than that of Drogba and Torres and he is keen to retain his place in Andre Villas-Boas' side.

"I want to continue playing for Chelsea and from there I want to start playing as a striker, and from there try to play for England as a striker," Sturridge said. "That's my aim, to be a No. 9 for England. I want to stake my claim as a striker, that's the position I love to play.

"Hopefully the England manager will see me as a striker and will play me there in the next match I get an opportunity in because that's where I believe I'm at my best."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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