Lampard backs Sturridge for England

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has backed team mate Danny Sturridge to take the place of suspended Wayne Rooney for Euro 2012's opening game.

Sturridge has enjoyed a rich vein of form so far this season, scoring three goals in as many games for the Blues.

Sturridge has even jumped ahead of Romelu Lukaku and Salomon Kalou for a place in the Chelsea starting line up.

Lampard thinks that Sturridge is more than capable of taking the place of Rooney for England: "There is no doubt Daniel will break through at international level. It's just a matter of when it happens for him. He can be a great player for Chelsea and for England. He has skill, unbelievable speed and can finish. What more can you ask?

"He brings the excitement that supporters crave and his pace gives him the ability to beat his man and create a goal out of nothing. You can see the manager trusts him from the fact he has thrown him straight into the team this season."