Daniel Sturridge's Fab Future? Why He'll Be Looking To Impress This Year

After the disappointing performance in South Africa, England now enter a transitional stage as Fabio Cappello looks to introduce new blood into the England set up.

Cappello's recent England squad has proved he intends to introduce some of England's young stars into the senior set up and many of these will be hoping to cement their place for the upcoming Euro Championship campaign.

One player, who surprisingly hasn’t been mentioned for consideration, is Chelsea forward and England under-21 cap Daniel Sturridge.

The Birmingham-born forward made his senior debut for Manchester City in 2007 at the tender age of 17 and immediately looked comfortable in the first team with some exciting performances off the bench.

He then signed for Chelsea on a four-year deal when his City contract expired in 2009. Chelsea were ordered to pay an initial fee of around £3.5 million plus numerous incentives in the future as they secured the young forward on a four-year deal.

After watching Sturridge impress in the recent charity shield game at Wembley, it seems to be money well-spent.

Carlo Ancelotti spoke last season about the potential he has and the Italian certainly seems to be showing more and more faith in him. Sturridge played his part last season for Chelsea as they secured the league and cup double with some great performances in the new year as they lost Soloman Kalou and Dider Drogba to the African Nations Cup, he also finished the FA Cup campaign as the leading scorer with four goals.

Stamford Bridge has seen a mini-clearout this summer so there is certain to be even more opportunities for Sturridge to impress this season.

Sturridge need look no further than how some of his under-21 team mates have progressed. Jack Wilshire, Keiron Gibbs, and Adam Johnson have all made their England debuts even though they continue to push for regular football at domestic level.

So if Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti continues to use the exciting young forward more regularly, there may be a second Italian coach come knocking in the near future!