• Premier League

Sturridge: No regrets choosing England over Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge scored Liverpool's equaliser in their 3-3 draw at Everton © Getty Images

Enlarge

Daniel Sturridge insists he has no regrets about prioritising England duty over Liverpool's Merseyside derby clash with Everton last week.

Sturridge played 90 minutes against Germany despite carrying a thigh injury, which left Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers fuming. The striker started on the bench at Goodison Park, though came on to have the last word with a last-gasp equaliser in Saturday's 3-3 draw.

Week in Pictures

"Take that Rafa!" © Getty Images

• Plenty of give and take in the Ashes, proof footballers carry Oyster cards, and David Nalbandian shows Rafael Nadal he's king of the court. Click here for more of our favourite snaps over the past seven days

"I am looking at him in training on Friday and he is not right," Rodgers had said. "Whose responsibility is that? It is the FA's and the player's."

However Sturridge has defended his actions. "For me, regardless of what condition you are in, if you are selected by the England manager you go out there and do the best you can regardless of whether you are carrying an injury or not," he said.

"The manager gave me an opportunity and it's always a pleasure to put the England shirt on. Regardless of what condition you're in, fit or not fit, if you are selected for England you go out there and do your best."

Sturridge admitted his international commitments have not helped in his attempt to recover from the injury, which has hampered him for the last month.

"I have been hampered for the past three games," he said. "Since West Brom [on 26 October], when I got a bang, I've had blood underneath my muscles in my thigh. It's still there now. When I shoot from long distance I still feel pain but it's getting better.

"It's important that I'm training but I didn't get to train much when I was away with England. I only trained once before the game. I need to get the momentum going and just try to get it right and make sure I'm in the right condition to be able to go out there and do myself justice. I hope I'll be fit enough to start against Hull next weekend. It would be great to be back in the side."

Despite still being left to wait for his first Merseyside derby start, Sturridge has revealed he relished the occasion.

"It was a remarkable game to be a part of," Sturridge said. "I wasn't too sure whether I would get on as we were holding on to a lead at 2-1 but when Everton scored the manager told me to warm up again and then put me on. It was great to be a part of it and help the team get a draw.

"In the end we have to be happy with a point. We were a bit disappointed that we didn't win having led twice but now we'll look to push on. We showed great character and resilience to get back into the game and that was important. It's not about individuals, it's about Liverpool Football Club and it's great to be part of it."

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