Sturridge tipped to be Rooney's foil

Daniel Sturridge has been urged by former England striker Trevor Francis to recreate his Liverpool form for his country.

The Reds star has deservedly returned to the England set-up thanks to his superb displays since his arrival at Anfield from Chelsea in January.

England boss Roy Hodgson is determined to keep the opposition guessing when it comes to his attacking permutations for the World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro.

Sturridge could form a fearsome attacking partnership alongside Wayne Rooney, with Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott also in the equation.

And, according to Francis, Sturridge deserves serious consideration for the game which England are 5.50 to win 5-0 and 4.50 to be 3-0 ahead at half time.

He insists: "Looking at the strikers Roy Hodgson has moving forward, I think that Rooney is a definite starter.

"I've been very impressed by the maturity shown by Theo Walcott - it does bode well that his true potential is starting to be realised.

"But then there is Sturridge, who has settled in well at Liverpool. It has been interesting to see how quickly his partnership has developed with Luis Suarez.

"Hopefully a similar understanding can develop between him and Rooney. Depending on team selection, we may well see that scenario unfold in these two games."