Steven Gerrard: 'Stage set for Daniel Sturridge'

Steven Gerrard has encouraged his Liverpool teammate Daniel Sturridge to prove his worth during England's friendly encounter with Germany tomorrow night.

There had been doubts as to whether Sturridge would feature at Wembley because of a thigh complaint, but manager Roy Hodgson confirmed earlier today that the striker would start.

"The stage is set for Daniel Sturridge to prove he is a top player. He certainly has the talent to do it," skipper Gerrard is quoted as saying by the Football Association's official Twitter feed.

Gerrard was also an injury doubt for the clash, but he has been passed fit.