Gerrard: Dan can be England's main man
Steven Gerrard believes Daniel Sturridge can be the difference when he returns to the England fold for two crucial World Cup qualifying clashes against Montenegro and Poland.
The Liverpool forward has revelled in the central role for his club, hitting 19 goals in 25 games since arriving from Chelsea in January this year.
Sturridge had previously been deployed in a wide role, mainly in order to accommodate the likes of Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge.
However, after watching the 24-year-old flourish at Anfield, Gerrard backed Sturridge to recreate his lethal form for the Three Lions over the coming week.
"You've got to understand Daniel was playing as a wide forward at Chelsea," Gerrard told the Daily Mirror.
"He scored quite a few goals from there but the team was built around Drogba - and understandably so.
"But ever since Daniel's come to Liverpool, the manager has played him as the No.9, as the main man, and as a result he's flourished.
"I'm sure if he's given that No.9 role for England he can produce for England as well.
"I don't think Daniel has any doubts in his own ability. If he's fit and available he will be confident he can deliver at this level.
"The thought of Daniel, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Andros Townsend or James Milner to go at any team, is mouthwatering as far as I'm concerned. Mouthwatering.
"If that front partnership works, that could be key. Wayne and Danny are unselfish, both capable of setting each other up and scoring the goals themselves. That's what gives me the belief it can work.
"That's the reason it's been working with Luis Suarez and Sturridge. They're helping each other and I think Wayne and Daniel can do similar things.''
England currently sit top of their group heading into the final two World Cup qualifying fixtures.
However, Ukraine and Montenegro are just a point behind Roy Hodgson's side - and Poland, who trail by three points, still retain an outside chance of topping the group.
First the Three Lions will take on Montenegro at Wembley on Friday, before Poland visit the capital on Tuesday.
"There's a lot of expectations, from the fans, the media and in and among the group as well. Everyone wants to be at this World Cup," explained Gerrard.
"So it is very critical. We need to go out and deliver. It doesn't come much bigger than this.
"The main focus for me is trying to be as positive as I can, trying to be upbeat and look forward to trying to win these games rather than the worst-case scenarios.
"As a group of players, and individually, we're all going to be judged over the next week or so. I expect that and that's fine. It's down to us now."