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Sturridge: England have belief

Saturday, May 31, 2014 by TEAMtalk

Daniel Sturridge admits England may not lift the World Cup but the team will head to Brazil knowing they have the necessary winning mentality.


Daniel Sturridge: Grabbed England's opener against Peru

Sturridge put the hosts ahead before the break at home to Peru in their final friendly prior to the squad heading off to Miami for further pre-tournament preparations.

Centre-backs Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka both scored in quick succession from corners midway through the second half to give Roy Hodgson's side a confidence boost before they leave the country.

"For everyone it is not about going there (Brazil) to make the numbers up," Sturridge told ITV1.

"I am a winner and the players are winners - it doesn't mean we are going to win it out there but we are winners."

On the game, he added: "It was difficult to be fair because they defended well and they were very compact.

"We had worked very hard throughout the week and there wasn't the match sharpness as much as we would have liked."

"But it was great to be out there and we are happy with the result."

On his goal, Sturridge said: "It is not important about myself, it is about the team and our preparation; putting in a shift tactically and technically to be in the best shape for the first game."

Manager Hodgson felt his side were well worth their victory. "We had to be very patient. We were dominant throughout. It is a perfect end to a perfect two weeks," Hodgson said.

"When you play against teams who get 10 men behind the ball you have to be patient and keep going but I was never in any doubt we would win the game.

"I knew they would tire and I think 3-0 is the minimum we can accept from the game."

On the positives from the match, Hodgson added: "We gained a wonderful send-off to the World Cup.

"When the game was over at 2-0 we took the opportunity to change some of the senior players and give some of the younger ones a chance."

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