Euro 2016

Daniel Sturridge: 'Jamie Vardy fully focused on England'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 June 2016

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge insists that England teammate Jamie Vardy will not be distracted by speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal this summer.

Daniel Sturridge has insisted that in-demand striker Jamie Vardy is fully focused on England duty amid speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners have activated a £20m release clause in Vardy's contract, although reports today have suggested that the 29-year-old will wait until after Euro 2016 to make a final decision over his future.

The transfer story has dominated many of the headlines in recent days but Sturridge, who is competing with the Leicester City man for a starting role at this summer's tournament, does not believe that it will be a distraction.

"That is what everyone is here to do - concentrate on England and not focus on the speculation outside of that," he told reporters.

"It is about going there with the right mentality and the right frame of mind, and Jamie's exactly that way. He is not worrying about anything other than England."

Vardy scored 24 Premier League goals to help fire Leicester to the title last season.