Sturridge Relishing First World Cup

It’s been a great year for Daniel Sturridge. With 21-goals in the Premier League, a second place finish behind Manchester City and Champions League football secured, going to the World Cup in Brazil this summer is the cherry on top of the Sundae — an indulgence that’s well deserved.

“It’s going to be a great time for everybody. It’s my first World Cup and I’m looking forward to embracing everything that it brings” said the 24-year old. “I understand that it is a huge occasion. It is the pinnacle of everyone’s careers and I can’t wait to get there and be a part of what England are trying to do.”

If the Three Lion’s are going to progress at the tournament, many pundits believe it will be on the back of his goals and he did little to discount that theory with a cracking opener in the 3-0 victory over Peru on Friday night. “I was pleased but it isn’t about myself, it’s about the team and working as a unit,” Sturridge said following a shower of plaudits. “Everybody takes praise from this game. The defence kept a clean-sheet and the midfield worked tirelessly. It was great preparation for the Italy game.”

England kick-off the World Cup Group Stages against the winners back in 2006 and though they’re not heavily favoured to take full points from their opening match, that’s not stopping Sturridge from keeping a positive attitude about not only the encounter with Cesare Prandelli’s men, but the tournament as a whole.

“There are no real favourites, everyone’s got a chance, just like the Premier League,” he explained. “Last season no one would have said Liverpool would be challenging and have a chance of winning the title, so regardless of whether we have pressure or if people think we will or won’t win it, that doesn’t matter.”