Daniel Sturridge Left out of England Squad for San Marino and Estonia Qualifiers

Roy Hodgson omitted Daniel Sturridge from England's squad to face San Marino and Estonia in this month's Euro 2016 qualifiers, heeding the advice of Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

Rob Harris of The Associated Press tweeted the full squad:

Rodgers asked Hodgson not to include Sturridge, who is still recovering from the thigh strain sustained during the last round of international fixtures in September.

"In the next few weeks he has to get up to speed and at the end of the international break he will hopefully be ready to play for us, which is the priority," Rodgers said prior to the announcement, per BBC Sport.

Hodgson is understandably disappointed with the striker's lack of appearance, as tweeted by BBC Sport:

The England boss made it clear he has no problems with Liverpool's request, however, as reported by Daniel Taylor of The Guardian:

Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne and Swansea's Jonjo Shelvey represented the two surprise inclusions, per Oliver Kay of The Times:

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England host San Marino at Wembley on Oct. 9, a match the Three Lions will be confident of romping their way through. The visitors have just one official victory in their history—the 1-0 win over Liechtenstein in 2004—and currently sit on a goal difference of minus-25 after four matches with England.

San Marino are remembered for scoring in eight seconds against England in 1993, but they cannot realistically be recognised as a threat to the home side.

England will look to travel to Estonia on Oct. 12 with six points and a healthy goal difference, having impressively beaten Switzerland 2-0 on their own turf during the first round of fixtures.

Sturridge's absence is likely to see Danny Welbeck partner Wayne Rooney upfront. Welbeck netted both against the Swiss and scored a composed hat-trick during Arsenal's 4-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray on Wednesday. He provides smart, decisive runs and aids the team's defensive efforts with his commendable work rate, making him a mainstay in Hodgson's side.

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Raheem Sterling is likely to continue behind the strike duo. He played centrally during the opening fixture, but he was afforded the freedom to roam toward either flank. The 19-year-old has become an immensely important figure at club level and will hope to further prove his credentials with a solid couple of performances.

Fabian Delph retains his place in the squad after an impressive showing against the Swiss. The Aston Villa man flaunts a useful turn of pace on the ball and is one of England's most technically gifted stars. He will shield the defence, apply pressure in advanced positions and work doggedly to win the ball back, most likely alongside Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson.

Both Clyne and Shelvey have been rewarded for quality starts to the season at their respective clubs.

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Indeed, Clyne has fast become one of the Premier League's most well-rounded right-backs, as his defensive quality is matched with considerable attacking talent. He has netted in the domestic division and the Capital One Cup this campaign. Southampton are currently second, just three points behind unbeaten Chelsea.

Shelvey made his England debut against San Marino in 2012 and will hope to build upon his only cap. He has also started the season well, scoring one goal in Swansea City's run to fifth.

John Cross of the Daily Mirror believes the duo deserve their place in the squad:

Calum Chambers and Luke Shaw are among the young players who could have been expected to make the squad. However, they are set to represent England's under-21 squad during their crunch tie with Croatia, as reported by BBC Sport:

The Daily Telegraph's Henry Winter confirmed Gareth Southgate's entire under-21 squad:

Hodgson should be more than confident in the senior squad available to him. England showed some fine young players are coming through the ranks against Switzerland, and importantly, that they can compete with challenging sides.

San Marino and Estonia should provide a modest test, allowing the English to express themselves in front of fans who may continue to feel a sense of disappointment since the forgettable World Cup campaign.

Results are what matter at this stage, as grabbing the first nine points on offer would put Hodgson's men in pole position to ease their way toward the 2016 European championships in France.