England (http://www.theinfostride.com/associations/association=eng/index.html) may be without talisman Wayne Rooney (http://www.theinfostride.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=196842/index.html) for their opening two fixtures at UEFA EURO 2012 (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro2012/index.html) but leading a queue of strikers who hope to replace the Manchester United forward is Daniel Sturridge.
The 22-year-old has seen both his club and national manager, Andre Villas-Boas and Fabio Capello respectively, depart in the last month but that dual upheaval cannot take the shine off a breakthrough season which could conclude with a trip to Poland and Ukraine.
Finally enjoying his first extended run in the Blues’ starting XI since he joined from Manchester City in 2009, Sturridge told FIFA.com he is happy to be versatile if it means he can play. “I think I’ve grown up a lot since moving to Chelsea and have gained experience and self-belief as a result,” the striker explained.
“I’m playing in a different position from the start of my career, though I still see myself as a striker, but I’m doing a job for the team and enjoying starting more games, which is what matters most, and if I can represent my country in any position, I’ll be delighted to do so.”
Ambitions for club and country
Largely deployed in a wide role under Villas-Boas, the Birmingham-born player has been one of the positives of a disappointing season at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League (http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=eng/nationalleague/standings.html) table and are in danger of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next year, while their participation in this season’s edition hangs by a thread as they need to overturn a 3-1 deficit during their second leg with Napoli tonight.
Sturridge can take personal pride from his performances, though, having scored 11 goals in all competitions for the Blues and broken onto the international scene with England (http://www.theinfostride.com/associations/association=eng/index.html). While his primary focus is on salvaging something from Chelsea’s campaign, thoughts of EURO 2012 are at the back of his mind. “I’m aiming to finish in the top four with Chelsea and to win the Champions League and FA Cup, and if I can get myself on the plane after that, it’ll be a dream come true,” said the No23.
fifa.com