England vs Netherlands: Daniel Sturridge as lethal as Aguero if he stays injury-free, says James Milner

Sturridge will make only his 17th senior England appearance when he lines up against the Dutch

James Milner, right, has praised Daniel Sturridge's ability (Getty)

James Milner claims England possess a striker with the finishing abilities of Sergio Aguero in Liverpool team-mate Daniel Sturridge.

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Sturridge, 26, will win his first cap since September 2014 after emerging from a lengthy injury battle to face Netherlands at Wembley.

Such have been Sturridge’s injury problems, the former Chelsea forward has still to make 100 career Premier League starts.

But with Sturridge’s return to action proving untroubled since his Liverpool comeback last month, Milner insists he can now bring the same predatory goalscoring to England as his former Manchester City team-mate Aguero. “He [Sturridge] is probably a better trainer than Aguero,” Milner said. “Thursday and Friday, he’s trotting about, Sergio, and then turns it on at the weekend.

“But Studge is sharp in training, can go both ways and score goals. Now he just wants to stay fit and keep scoring goals.”

Sturridge will make only his 17th senior England appearance when he lines up against the Dutch, but Hodgson insists the forward has shown clear signs in training that he is over his injury problems. “His ability to manipulate the ball, his footwork and close control in tight situations, his acceleration and striking ability... that’s still there,” Hodgson said.

“We’re pleased to have another quality player like Daniel available and knocking on the door, trying to make it clear that he should be the first name on the team sheet. All I can do is give him the opportunity.”