England Vs Germany: Who Should Partner Wayne Rooney If Daniel Sturridge Is Out?

POLL: Who Should Partner Rooney Against The Germans?
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England striker Daniel Sturridge is a major doubt for their friendly with Germany.

Sturridge was unable to complete a full training session on Monday, having been called up to the squad despite nursing a thigh injury.

The 24-year-old Liverpool striker has scored 11 goals in 15 games for club and country this season and is regarded as the ideal foil for Wayne Rooney at the World Cup.

Sturridge hobbles off the training ground on Monday

However, Sturridge's possible absence for the visit of Germany throws up a familiar quandary for England coach Roy Hodgson, who has a paucity of attacking options.

With Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott sidelined through injury, Rooney's partner against Germany is likely to be Jermain Defoe, Rickie Lambert or Jay Rodriguez...

JAY RODRIGUEZ

Age: 24

Caps: 1

Goals: 0

Struggled through a timid 57-minute debut against Chile on Friday and is regarded as more of a support forward than a striker. Would benefit from a show of faith from Hodgson but is better suited to a wider role, which could be occupied by Southampton teammate Adam Lallana.

Rodriguez made his England debut at Wembley on Friday

RICKIE LAMBERT

Age: 31

Caps: 3

Goals: 2

Filling in commendably for Andy Carroll, Lambert's style chimes with Hodgson's pragmatism and he needs to be tested against a genuinely good side. Has excelled against Scotland, Moldova and Ukraine to varying degrees.

JERMAIN DEFOE

Age: 31

Caps: 55

Goals: 19

Has hit nine goals in the seven cup games for Tottenham this season and his directness would suit Rooney and Andros Townsend. The downside is his sheer greed, whereas Lambert and Rodriguez are more selfless options.

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