LATEST: England’s Sturridge is out of Swiss clash

England striker Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of his side’s opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland next week.

Sturridge sustained a thigh injury during a training session with Roy Hodgson’s squad at their St George’s Park base on Friday.

The Liverpool star was sent for a scan. It was decided he would not be able to recover in time to feature against the Swiss in Basel on Monday.

"Daniel Sturridge picked up an injury on his thigh in training," an FA spokesman said. "He has had a scan and will now return to Liverpool FC for treatment. He will play no part in the forthcoming Switzerland match."

Sturridge’s absence is a major blow to Hodgson as he was one of England’s better performers in the lacklustre 1-0 friendly win over Norway at Wembley on Wednesday.

Hodgson has not called up a replacement for Sturridge, as he considers who will partner captain Wayne Rooney in attack in the most difficult of his side’s group stage fixtures.

Arsenal’s new signing Danny Welbeck (pictured below) is the most likely candidate, with Liverpool targetman Rickie Lambert another option for Hodgson.

Welbeck injected pace and verve into England’s performance after coming off the bench in the second half against Norway.

The 23-year-old’s Arsenal and England team-mate Jack Wilshere believes Welbeck can have a big impact for club and country after leaving Manchester United.

“He is a great addition for Arsenal and hopefully he will keep performing for England as well,” Wilshere said. "He has got great enthusiasm, he wants to run, he will track back, and he has got great quality."

“A lot of people don’t give him credit for his technical ability, but he is great on the ball."

“I am sure there were a few clubs wanting him and there are not many players his age who move from one big club to another big club so that shows his quality.”

Source: AFP