England striker Daniel Sturridge has insisted that he is not guaranteed a place in Roy Hodgson's starting lineup for the Three Lions' World Cup opener against Italy.
The 24-year-old started and scored in England's 3-0 win over Peru in their final warm-up game on home soil, following up on his excellent season for Liverpool in their Premier League campaign.
However, Sturridge has admitted that he is not taking anything for granted and is prepared to work just as hard as anyone else in the squad to earn his place in the starting XI.
He told Sky Sports News: "Regardless of what team the manager picks, that is the manager's choice and I am just here to work hard in training and in the games and show what I can do, which is the same for everyone else in the squad.
"There are obviously certain players who have their spots nailed down, but in my mind I haven't and I am working hard every day to continue to show what I can do."
"It is about being comfortable and uncomfortable. For me there are no guarantees in football and I will just work hard and not worry about which team the manager will pick."
Sturridge scored 22 goals in the Premier League for the Reds last season.
Simon Sinclair
