Brendan Rodgers has warned Roy Hodgson not to consider selecting Daniel Sturridge for his next England squad, with the 25-year-old still struggling with a thigh injury sustained during the last time he was on international duty.
There has been underlying tensions between Rodgers and the England set up, when the Liverpool boss said he felt more could have been done to prevent Sturridge’s injury.
The striker was reportedly made to play in a high intensity training match, on a day that would have normally been reserved for recovery.
Sturridge has not featured for Liverpool in their past five matches, and has not travelled with the squad for tonight’s Champions League clash against FC Basel.
Rodgers said Sturridge may well be able to play some part in the Reds clash with West Brom at the weekend, but insisted he would not be fit to join up with the England squad for their Euro qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia the week later.
He told reporters: “He won’t be fit to play for England whether he’s available for the weekend or not.
“I don’t think he’s fit to play for England. We’re hoping he can develop over the next 48 hours to be in a position to train with the team on Thursday and maybe be available for the squad on Saturday.
“But if we’re talking about players being picked for international duty then they need to be fit and play and Daniel certainly won’t be fit.”
