Sunday 15 June 2014 13:46, UK
England forward Daniel Sturridge is optimistic he will be available for Thursday's World Cup clash against Uruguay in Sao Paulo.
The 24-year-old earned widespread praise for his performance during the 2-1 Group D defeat to Italy in Manaus.
Sturridge scored England’s goal 90 seconds after Italy took the lead and he was lively throughout the match.
The Liverpool striker suffered a leg problem late in the game and was replaced by Adam Lallana 10 minutes from time, but believes he will have recovered in time to face Uruguay on Thursday.
“Everybody is working extremely hard. Everybody is pushing themselves to their limits,” Sturridge said.
Today was a final and we lost the first final, but there are two more finals to go and hopefully we can win them.
“I’m pushing myself to my limits and I’ve got a dead leg now but I’m trying to get over that for the next game.
“I feel everyone played very well and we were just unfortunate.”
While clearly delighted to score his first World Cup goal, Sturridge was frustrated to finish on the losing team.
He added: “Very mixed feelings. I am thankful to God for allowing me to score. It is my mum’s birthday so I wanted to do it for her and get a result for all the fans but it wasn’t meant to be.
“We played great football but we were just unlucky.
“Every game is going to be exciting, the games are very open. It’s you-play, we-play and it’s set up for players who can attack.
“I’m looking forward to the next game. I feel it is going to be one of those occasions where it’s another final.
“Today was a final and we lost the first final, but there are two more finals to go and hopefully we can win them.”
