The Liverpool striker has praised the England manager, despite previous controversies, and also says he has no worries about the form of Tottenham striker Harry Kane
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge insists past controversies have not affected his love of playing for England, insisting that he has a good relationship with Roy Hodgson.
The 25-year-old was at the centre of a club vs country row earlier this season after he injured his thigh in training with the national team, 48 hours after playing for the Three Lions against Norway.
Sturridge was subsequently ruled out for three weeks and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers - who regularly gives Sturridge two days' rest after games - lashed out at the FA over their handling of the striker, before urging Hodgson not to pick him for the games against San Marino and Estonia.
Sturridge, though, says he has no intention of dwelling on the controversy and maintains that his relationship with Hodgson is "very, very good".
"Regardless of what happened in the past, I love playing for England," Sturridge told the Daily Mail. "That situation occurred and it's in the past.
"People pick injuries up and they are unfortunate. It just so happened I got injured that day. It's life. People get injured sometimes. It is what it is.
"My relationship with the England manager is top class. No worries at all. We speak via text. We speak to each other. We keep in touch. Throughout my injury, he kept in touch. I would never blame him for this. Never. Or any of the staff - it was just an unfortunate incident.
"I have got so much respect and admiration for him and his set-up.
"For me, yes, two days' recovery works best but I am not every player. Every player's different. Some like to train on the second day. Some don't. I am used to having second-day recoveries now and when you get used to doing something, you do it. I have had periods with other clubs when I have not had second-day recovery times. So it doesn't make a huge difference."
Sturridge also remains unperturbed about the form of Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who has been heavily tipped for an England call-up after scoring 26 goals in all competitions in 2014-15, and insists that he has no worries about losing his place in the England starting XI.
"Why am I watching someone else's glories and achievements? It doesn't matter to me who comes around or what players are about. It means nothing to me," Sturridge added.
"When you watch other people, you don't get anywhere in life because you are at war with yourself. Well done to Harry Kane and what he has achieved but I am not watching what he is doing.
"I just believe in me."
