Young Studge. Doing thangs.
Last night, Daniel Sturridge kept hope alive for the Three Lions in their bid to progress to the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Denmark. Sturridge's deft chip after 32 minutes separated England from Portugal, who were eliminated with the result. England moved closer to Group 9 leaders Greece via the 1-0 win.
Manchester United product Tom Cleverly was the provider, an excellent through ball for Sturridge to lift over the Portugese keeper. It moved England on to 14 points. Greece is on 19 points.
Ryan Bertrand and Michael Mancienne joined Sturridge in the starting XI for the Lions. Jack Cork made it a quartet of Blues to see the field when he came on in the second half. Good stuff.
Sturridge, it must be said, has looked proper early on this season. This just solidifies the work he's been putting in. The 21-year-old is featured in the Daily Mail today, speaking on his development not only as a footballer but as a player.
"I don’t go out trying to get drunk or anything like that. I don’t think about anything but kicking a ball and trying to get into the Chelsea team," Sturridge says.
I like the sound of that. Hopefully the young man can continue on this incline.
Below: Moving pictures from last night's game.