England Euro 2012: The Importance of Daniel Sturridge's Inclusion

Tonight against big rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge netted his 10th goal of the season. 

Not bad for a player who some thought would be part of Andre Villas-Boas' purge. With only one cap to his name, some critics may say that he is too inexperienced and would constitute a risk.

However, it would be a risk unlike Theo Walcott in 2006, it would be a risk that will ultimately pay off. 

No Player Has Secured Right-Side Position

Whether it be a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-1-1 for England, over the last few years no player has secured the right-side spot. A multitude of players have tried but failed.

Visions of Aaron Lennon running aimlessly and Steven Gerrard out of position in the last World Cup should come to mind. Others such as James Milner, Stewart Downing are recent options, but none have excelled.

Meanwhile in London, Sturridge has announced his arrival with fantastic performances on the right side for Chelsea. He is essentially, along with Cech and Terry, one of the first names on the team sheet. Unlike either Cech or Terry, though, he has been one of the most consistent performers for The Blues.   

Inverted Wingers

Since the 2009/10 season, the idea of inverted wingers has been prominent. Andre Villas-Boas used Hulk to perfection at Porto last year. He played high up the right side and with little defensive work, and he was unleashed at opposition defences. 

Should Capello go with a 4-3-3 (and he definitely should), Sturridge would be perfect. No other English player has the aptitude to play on the right this way.

Ashley Young will play as the other inverted winger and theoretically a fluidity that England have always lacked will occur.  

Continental-Style Tactical Understanding

"Tactical understanding" changes when it comes to different footballing cultures. In Portugal, we see a wide player not tracking back. In England, we see doubling up on opposing midfielders.

We have seen throughout the season so far that Sturridge plays like a Portuguese. He stays wide and high, while Ramires covers the space behind him. 

This tactical understanding, if allowed by Capello, would give a majestic balance to the England side. The player playing in the "Ramires" position (possibly Parker or Milner) would then cover him and make use of Sturridge's width by making driving runs through the middle.

No Need for Central Playmaker

England will never have the tactical fluidity of a Spain or Holland. They can afford to play a central playmaker and not depend on him completely.

This has been possibly the reason why England have failed in the previous competitions. 

With Sturridge in the side, playmaking comes from the wings. He cuts in from the touchline and commits other central defenders and centre midfielders, creating space for his own players. He then has the intelligence to use the ball precisely. 

Less Pressure on Wayne Rooney

We have seen from Lionel Messi's performances at international competitions that one team cannot solely rely on one player. 

The frustration Wayne Rooney experienced in South Africa last year sums up the lack of other attacking options England had to offer.

Sturridge will have no fear. He has not been infected by the "England Situation" as of yet, so one hopes he has the courage to perform on the biggest stage.