England striker Sturridge ruled out of Brazil friendly

The 23-year-old suffered a slight hamstring strain during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday and has withdrawn from the Three Lions squad as a precaution

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has withdrawn from the England squad for Wednesday's friendly clash with Brazil.

The 23-year-old has returned to his club for further treatment on a hamstring issue which arose during Sunday afternoon's 2-2 draw with Manchester City, during which he scored in the first half and was later substituted in injury time.

Having switched to Anfield from Chelsea for £12 million during the January transfer window, Sturridge became the first player since Ray Kennedy back in 1974 to score in each of his first three games for the club.

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He joins Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick and Tottenham forward Jermain Defoe on the Three Lions' casualty list, with manager Roy Hodgson yet to name any replacements for the trio.

Ashley Cole is set to win his 100th cap in the exhibition game, organised as part of the FA's 150th anniversary celebrations.