• World Cup

I won't buckle under World Cup pressure, says Sturridge

ESPN staff
May 25, 2014
Daniel Sturridge is likely to spearhead England's attack at the World Cup © PA Photos
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Daniel Sturridge insists he will not buckle under the pressure of being England's No.9 at the World Cup in Brazil.

Sturridge underlined his status as one of Europe's most promising strikers last season when he scored 21 goals in the Premier League for Liverpool.

The 24-year-old's career has blossomed since he moved to Anfield from Chelsea 18 months ago, forming a lethal partnership with top scorer Luis Suarez. He is yet to repeat that kind of form on the international stage although his time with England has been hampered by injury, winning his 10 caps over two-and-a-half years.

Sturridge is likely to be the spearhead of England's attack this summer, just as Alan Shearer and Sir Bobby Charlton were when they wore the famous No.9 shirt on their back.

"I don't feel any pressure in terms of the task ahead because I feel that we have prepared for this,'' said Sturridge, whose three England goals have come against San Marino, Montenegro and Denmark.

"I am excited by it all. When you are young you always want these moments. This is my first World Cup. It's just embracing it all, not about feeling any pressure to do something amazing. I just have to play my normal game.''

Injury prevented Sturridge from playing alongside Wayne Rooney for a chunk of last season. But Roy Hodgson will hope the pair hit it off in Friday's friendly versus Peru, and the two other warm-up games that follow against Ecuador and Honduras next month.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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