Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is the latest player in Roy Hodgson’s England squad to be ruled of the upcoming games against Lithuania and Italy.

Sturridge joins his Anfield club-mate Adam Lallana on the sidelines after the Reds’ Sunday defeat to Manchester United.

Sturridge was set to return to the England fold for the first time since an injury sustained on international duty back in September resulted in the 25-year-old missing most of the first half of the season for his club.

He scored Liverpool’s goal against the Red Devils but he has now been confirmed as an absentee for Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley and Tuesday’s friendly with the Azzurri in Turin.

Lallana was ruled out of the England squad on Monday after suffering a groin injury against Louis van Gaal’s side.
Liverpool let their frustration be known when Sturridge suffered his previous setback after playing for the Three Lions in a friendly against Norway last September.

Memories of that episode and the tension it created between Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers and Hodgson may have influenced the England medical team in their assessment of Sturridge this time around.

After reporting for duty at St. George’s Park on Monday, Sturridge was declared unfit for selection.

Skipper Wayne Rooney and Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck could now lead the line while Hodgson may be tempted to hand a first senior international cap to Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

England are 1.05 to win their European Championship qualifying group.