Owen: Why Sturridge deserves Euro 2016 opportunity
Daniel Sturridge's quality should ensure the striker is called upon to make a difference for England at Euro 2016, according to Michael Owen.
Liverpool's No.15 remained on the bench as the Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw by Russia in their opening game of the tournament on Saturday.
A crunch second match in Group B sees Roy Hodgson's side take on Wales today and it remains to be seen whether Sturridge can force his way into the starting XI.
With competition from the likes of Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, captain Wayne Rooney and youngster Marcus Rashford, the manager has a strong forward line to choose from.
However, Owen insists Sturridge is capable of scoring goals against any team.
“Unfortunately for Daniel he seems to have been pushed further down the queue at the moment and it remains to be seen if we need a goal who Roy is going to turn to first, whether that be him or even Rashford,” Owen told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Sturridge has shown - certainly in the last period of the season - that he is fit, he is healthy, and he went on a sustained run.
“That goal he scored in the Europa League final against Sevilla was just sublime. The difficulty in that and the way he had the confidence to just curl it in with the outside of his left foot was brilliant.
“I like Daniel and think he is a real quality player, and I sincerely hope he has a decent part to play in this tournament.
“I'm sure Daniel will get some minutes. I hope he does because he is looking very fit and as strong as ever at the moment.”