Coyle tips Sturridge for England

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has urged Daniel Sturridge to continue his rich vein of form on his way to breaking into the England squad.

Sturridge scored his seventh goal in nine games for Bolton as Coyle’s men beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Premier League on Sunday, effectively ending Arsene Wenger’s title hopes.

The striker has enjoyed an impressive run of form since joining Bolton on loan from Chelsea and is likely to retain his place for the trip to Fulham on Wednesday, although he will need to pass a late fitness test as he has a slight ankle knock.

And Coyle hopes his forward can continue where he left off against Arsenal, as well as making Fabio Capello take notice of him.

“It is Daniel’s incentive for the rest of the season,” Coyle said.

“He has it in his locker to go down that route – the same way Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere has.”

“I said a year ago, while he was on loan here, that Jack should have gone to the World Cup. People thought I was talking rubbish but look at what has happened since.”

“It is the same with Daniel. There is no shame in him being a loan player and no reason why Mr Capello can’t pick him for the full team. He has got the same ingredients as Jack.”

“If you look at his form since he came here he is as good as anyone around.”

“If he had the chance to show that form for Chelsea, I would suggest he would be playing for them, too.”

“Daniel is not just a goalscorer, he has so much about him. He is different to what England have got. He is quick, can take a man on, can go right or left and he can score.”

“Fabio Capello is looking to build a young, progressive and ambitious team and Daniel has got to have a chance to be part of it. I keep going back to what has happened to Jack – and Daniel can make the same progress.”

Coyle has no major injury worries ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage and is likely to name an unchanged side following the win over Arsenal.