Sturridge Returns to the England Fold

With Steven Gerrard undergoing shoulder surgery that will keep him out of action until at least the pre-season, Liverpool fans will at least have one less name to worry about when international squads are announced. At least for a few months. Plus of course they'll still have to worry about everybody else.

And when it comes to worrying about players off on international duty, there's a new name to add to the list as Daniel Sturridge has made it back into the England fold thanks to his ten league goals since arriving at Liverpool in January. As a result of that strong play, he has been called up to Roy Hodgson's squad.

He will join regular participant Glen Johnson when England face Brazil in a home and away prestige friendly, with the first match at Wembley on May 29th before heading to Rio for a second game on June 2nd.

Meanwhile, Andy Carroll—whose West Ham loan will come to an end in a few days, spitting him back out into the purgatorial life as an unwanted Liverpool player by the time the first match takes place—has also been called up to the England squad.

Despite his relatively strong play of late, Stewart Downing remains out of contention, while Jordan Henderson, Jonjo Shelvey, and Andre Wisdom will all be off in Israel representing England at the U21 European Championships.

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