• England

Sturridge hits back over club v country row

Daniel Sturridge has been forced to defend himself on Twitter after appearing to claim playing for Liverpool was more important than representing England.

Speaking to the Anfield club's official website just hours before England's crunch World Cup qualification tie with Ukraine, the 24-year-old said his ambition is to win trophies at club level.

"I'm more worried about Liverpool and more worried about putting in good performances for us, us winning games and challenging for trophies," Sturridge said.

"That's my main ambition - it's not about playing for England.

"That comes with doing the things you do for your club and if I don't play well here, I won't get the opportunity to do it there [World Cup finals]."

Fans turned on Sturridge on the social networking site, and he was forced to defend himself to his 340,000 followers.

"Don't get it twisted... England is the pinnacle. To play for them is a dream come true. Just hoping to recover for Monday," he wrote, referring to Liverpool's Premier League match with Swansea.

"Some people never understand. Read the interview. If I do well for my club I will play for England. If I'm not fit I can't play."

Don't get it twisted.... England is the pinnacle. To play for them is a dream come true. Just hoping to recover for Monday #Godisgood— Daniel Sturridge (@D_Sturridge) September 10, 2013

Some people never understand. Read the interview. If I do well for my club I will play for England. If I'm not fit I can't play...— Daniel Sturridge (@D_Sturridge) September 10, 2013

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd