England and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill believes Daniel Sturridge can replace Wayne Rooney as England's main striker ahead of Friday's vital World Cup Qualifier against Moldova.
Wayne Rooney will miss England's next two matches after sustaining a deep cut to his head which needed stitches.
Liverpool striker Sturridge is the Premier League's form-player after the Reds' perfect start to the season see's them top of the table with three clean sheets and three Sturridge goals.
Cahill, a former team mate of Sturridge' at Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers, expects the forward to prove his worth for his country this weekend.
"Daniel is ready to step-in for Wayne for sure, with the form he is in. If you're a centre-forward, confidence and goals are what helps you in your performances.
"At the moment, he's a guy with both those things in abundance and playing really well. He is the kind of player that the Moldova and Ukraine defenders will be worried about. He can strike fear into any defence," said Cahill.
Sturridge sustained a calf strain leading up to Liverpool's defeat of Manchester United last weekend and admitted he couldn't shoot properly during the match. The 24-year-old still managed to bag the winner and looks set to start on Friday.
Sturridge, whose only England goal came against San Marino last year in an 8-0 win, is still doubtful for the game at Wembley but Cahill believes the striker can overcome the injury and continue his good form for his country.
"He's flying at the minute so hopefully he can shake-off this niggle and be ready to have a huge impact," said the Chelsea man.
The England centre-half has been a witness to the rise of Sturridge since the Liverpool man had an impressive loan spell at the Reebok, with the defender moving to Stamford Bridge half way through Sturridge' returning season at Chelsea.
At Chelsea, Sturridge played a wide-role in a font three, and Cahill knows a more central role is bringing the best out of the forward.
"Obviously he's started the season tremendously well. Everyone knew what talent he had. Not potential, but what he could actually do. Daniel is flourishing in the role he's playing at Liverpool now, and confidence-wise, the manager has put him up top where he always wanted to be. He has repaid him with three fantastic performances and goals," he added.
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