Daniel Sturridge risks missing out on England’s Euro 2016 squad if he fails to build a run of games before the end of this season.
The Liverpool striker is set to lead the line for his country in tonight’s friendly against the Netherlands after enduring an injury-hit campaign which has seen him complete just one 90-minute outing for the Reds in 2016.
Sturridge’s last England appearance came in 2014, when an injury during training sparked a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But Roy Hodgson has warned that there is no room for sentiment, despite the 26-year-old’s positive performance during the Three Lions’ ill-fated World Cup campaign in Brazil two years ago.
He said: “There’s no carryover (from Brazil) for Daniel.
“It’s about what he’s been doing for Liverpool or for us in training and with us. That’s what counts.
“All I can do is give him the opportunity and hope that he continues to get those with his club side and more games behind him. After all he hasn’t had too many in the last few years.”
England have history for taking injured players or ones lacking match fitness to major tournaments – but Hodgson insists that would not continue to be the case with Sturridge or any other squad members.
“There is an element of risk with taking any players that have a history of injuries. I can’t deny that,” he added.
“The next few weeks are important. I’d like to see Daniel and Danny (Welbeck) make certain they get as big a build up as possible in terms of fitness, to convince me that they are once again at the height of theirs powers.”