Sturridge, Richards rue Euro absence

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge says he was ‘hurt’ by being omitted from England’s squad for Euro 2012.

The 22-year-old was Chelsea’s joint-top scorer in the English Premier League last season, but that was not enough to convince newly appointed England manager Roy Hodgson to take him to Poland and Ukraine.

“I feel hurt, but you know, maybe it is a blessing in disguise,” Sturridge told The Jamaica Observer.

“It’s going to spur me on to do better. It’s going to drive me to want more success and to be a better footballer. I’m upset about it, but not too much.”

Micah Richards had also been tipped for a place in Hodgson’s squad.

He was overlooked for initial squad announcement, and then saw first Everton utility Phil Jagielka and then inexperienced Liverpool fullback Martin Kelly called up as injury replacements, for Gareth Barry and Gary Cahill respectively.

The Manchester City man said he was upset at not being involved but vowed to come back stronger for the 2012/13 club campaign.

“It’s a real disappointment for me, you know, but it won’t stop me from wanting to do more or do better next season,” he said.