Gerrard Surprised Striker Was Able to Join Liverpool

England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says Daniel Sturridge must follow Wayne Rooney's lead and prove himself for his country, starting against Germany at Wembley on Tuesday.

Sturridge's move to Anfield in the January transfer window has worked to spark his career into life, with the 24 year old having scored 23 goals for club and country in 2013.

Despite a thigh problem Sturridge will partner Rooney, who has netted 38 international goals, in the England attack against Germany.

Gerrard has seen first-hand Sturridge's improvement while at Liverpool, and the England skipper can't believe Chelsea allowed the forward to leave last January.

"I was surprised Chelsea let him go," the Liverpool skipper told a pre-match press-conference. "I've had a chance to see him at close quarters and I'm a huge fan.

"The stage is set for Daniel to prove to everyone that he's a top-class forward. He's certainly got the talent and ability to do it.

"Wayne Rooney has gone and done it, but the difference is he's proved himself and now Daniel has to go on and do it."

Sturridge will spearhead the attack alongside Rooney on Tuesday in another chance to impress manager Roy Hodgson ahead of next summer's World Cup.

The ex-Chelsea and Manchester City forward's injury problems have restricted his international involvement and he was absent from England's summer friendly against Brazil, when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rooney secured a 2-2 draw in Rio.

And the Liverpool man is refusing to consider another failure to reach Brazil.

"That was a devastating time for me [to miss the friendly against Brazil]," Sturridge said.

"I had to go on holiday to Jamaica with my crutches and [a protective] boot. It wasn't nice because it was really hot. I was there, just hobbling around.

"I haven't been to Brazil. I have heard it's good. Hopefully I will be on the plane next summer."