Daniel Sturridge has paid tribute to England strike partner Wayne Rooney, as the pair prepare to go head-to-head in Sunday’s game between Liverpool and Manchester United.
In-form Sturridge has scored 21 goals in the Premier League this season to help turn Liverpool into title contenders and has also been a regular in Roy Hodgson’s England squad.
And the 24-year-old is hoping his domestic form can continue into the World Cup this summer when he will link up with United striker Rooney again.
Sturridge and Rooney share a laugh in England training
"Wayne is a very nice guy and he is someone who helps me out a lot," revealed Sturridge.
"He helped me score my first goal for England at Wembley when he gave me the penalty against Montenegro and he has been so helpful.
"He has helped my career in terms of advice and I'm thankful to him."
Even though the former Manchester City and Chelsea star admits the pair’s friendship will be put on hold for 90 minutes on Sunday, he’s still looking forward to this summer’s World Cup and all of the build-up to it.
"Myself and Wayne have been training hard together - we get on very well off the field and have a lot of banter together," he added.
"When we get on the pitch we do the job the best we can and work for each other and the country. We just want to try and help the country be successful, that is the most important thing for everyone."
Sunday’s game at Old Trafford gives Brendan Rodgers’ side an opportunity to keep in touch with league leaders Chelsea.
Watch Sturridge's winning goal against Denmark
But Sturridge is refusing to get carried away with things and admits the Anfield club are still working to the old adage of taking each game as it comes.
"To be honest there are so many games left," he said.
"We have got Chelsea and Manchester City at home, we have got Tottenham at home.
"We have got big games regardless of the Manchester United result, of course we want to do as well as we can in every single game and get maximum points if we can but it is important we keep playing the football we do.
"I don't think winning at the weekend is going to change anything in regards to the title race, we are still four points behind and there are still teams ahead of us."
England are next in action when they face Peru at Wembley on 30 May. Click here to buy your tickets for that game.
