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Rodgers happy for England to recall Liverpool ace Sturridge but warns Hodgson - 'Manage it accordingly'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has no problems if striker Daniel Sturridge is picked for England duty, but he has advised Roy Hodgson to use him carefully.


The striker previously broke down on international duty in September 2014 and could only make 12 league appearances for the Reds last season.

The 26-year-old made his second start of the season last weekend against Aston Villa and scored a brace in the 3-2 win and although he has already hit form, Rodgers wants the Three Lions to treat him with kid gloves if they opt to select him for Euro2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.

Rodgers said: "I haven't spoken with the FA.

"I wouldn't have any concern about him being selected. Daniel is back in the fold now and he is obviously one of the top English strikers.

"If he is back fit and performing, I would expect him to be chosen for the national team. But at this moment in time it is about making sure he is fit and ready for Liverpool."

Asked whether he could play two games in four days, Rodgers said: "Not at the moment, no. The guys with England are intelligent enough and I am sure they understand and will have a little conversation before they meet up.

"I don't necessarily speak so much with international managers. When players go away, I let them deal with them.

"They are highly-qualified professionals who work at that level. But certainly with Daniel's case, it is certainly worth me noting to the FA about where he is at in this period of his fitness.

"I suspect that he is a player who is coming back and Roy and his staff are intelligent enough to see that. I'm sure him being in the squad, they will manage it accordingly."

Rodgers also confirmed that Sturridge won't be a part of the squad in the Europa League game against Sion.

"For every player, you have to assess and analyse them individually," said Rodgers. "Daniel has worked very, very hard and he has got back ahead of schedule.

"We have just got to make sure that we don't break him at this stage. He is recovering from the game at the weekend and he is still building himself towards fitness.

"But what he gives us is that real quality in the final third. He won't be involved in the game (against Sion), and that will keep him fresh."

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Vyom Chaudhary
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