The 24-year-old has started the season in blistering form for Liverpool, but insists he has no desire to become complacent as he shows signs of fulfilling his huge potential

Daniel Sturridge insists there is no room for complacency as he looks to establish himself as one of the best players in England.

The Liverpool striker has started the new Premier League campaign in superb form, scoring three goals in as many games to lift his club to the top of the division thanks to a trio of 1-0 wins.

Sturridge’s early-season showings led Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers to say the 24-year-old has all the necessary attributes to become one of the leading forwards in the top flight and make himself a fixture in Roy Hodgson’s first-choice England team.

But although he was thrilled to receive such backing from his boss, the fomer Chelsea and Manchester City man is under no illusions as to the challenges ahead if he is to achieve his potential.

“It was good to hear. It’s always good to hear positive things from your manager, especially. I’m working as hard as I possibly can and I want to improve as much as possible,” he told Liverpool’s official website.

“I’m not resting on my laurels or thinking I’m complete because I know I’m not. I’m trying my best to make sure I improve all the abilities I’ve been blessed with. I won’t stop until I get to where I believe I should be.”

Sturridge was set to play a big part in England’s World Cup 2014 qualifiers in the current international break, but a thigh injury forced him out of Friday’s 4-0 win over Moldova and caused him to withdraw from Hodgson’s squad ahead of the crucial trip to Ukraine on Tuesday.

However, despite the fact the striker is determined to represent his country at Brazil 2014 should they qualify, performing at club level is his first and foremost priority.

“I’m more worried about Liverpool and more worried about putting in good performances for us, us winning games and challenging for trophies. That’s my main ambition – it’s not about playing for England,” he added.

The Liverpool forward admits Roy Hodgson’s men will miss the Manchester United forward but insists confidence is high among the players

Steven Gerrard insists England are capable of securing a victory against Ukraine without Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United forward was forced to pull out of Roy Hodgson’s squad due to a head injury which was caused in a collision with Phil Jones during a training session.

Gerrard admits England would rather have Rooney available, but the midfielder maintains that three points can be achieved in Kiev.

“Obviously Wayne is a world class player – any team would miss Wayne when he’s not available,” Gerrard told reporters.

“But I think we’ve got more than enough in the squad and the 11 to do the job out here and as the manager says, confidence is high in the group.

“We believe if we defend well tomorrow night we’ve got a great chance of getting the result we want.”

England have travelled to Kiev with just two available strikers after injuries ruled out Rooney, Andy Carroll and Daniel Sturridge, while Danny Welbeck is suspended after receiving a yellow card against Moldova on Friday.

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert is expected to lead England’s attack on Tuesday night, with Jermain Defoe the only other recognised forward in the squad.

The West Brom forward netted for the second successive game as Gareth Southgate’s side were reduced to 10 men after the Liverpool defender’s dismissal in the 74th minute

Saido Berahino extended his scoring run for England Under-21s as Gareth Southgate’s men battled to a 1-1 draw against Finland.

The 20-year-old West Brom forward followed up on his winning goal against Moldova last Thursday with the equaliser which maintains England’s unbeaten start to European Under-21 Championship Group 1.

Southgate’s side were forced to play the final 16 minutes with 10 men after Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom was sent off for kicking out at Tim Vayrynen.

Moshtagh Yaghoubi’s free kick from 30 yards out opened the scoring for the hosts after he whipped in an effort from the left which caught Jack Butland by surprise as the Stoke City goalkeeper was anticipating a cross, rather than a shot.

England had a strong case for a penalty before the close of the first half after Berahino was caught by Finland goalkeeper Jesse Joronen inside the box, while James Ward-Prowse had  two chances to put the visitors level.

Second-half substitute Harry Kane had another opportunity to pull Southgate’s men level however Joronen was equal to the Tottenham forward’s strike after he was put through on goal.

But England’s continued pressure was rewarded after 67 minutes as Wilfried Zaha’s cross from the right wing was met by Berahino, who finished neatly from close range.

Wisdom’s dismissal threatened to set up a nervy finish for England but the visitors could have escaped with a second successive Group 1 victory had Joronen not denied Eric Dier from two set pieces.