'Sturridge and Ings can be Liverpool's dynamic duo'

Sturridge bagged a brace in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa – his first goals since March after a long injury layoff – and immediately showed an affinity with Ings.

And Rodgers believes the duo have the qualities to bring the best out of each other.

He said: "[Sturridge] showed a great combination with young Danny Ings, who obviously didn’t get a goal but I thought he played his part up top with Daniel.

"They showed that understanding that good players do. Both can run in behind, both can come short and they pressed the game well. It was very good."

Ings, 23, will be hoping to make the step up to the England senior squad after a two distinguished seasons in the Under-21s squad, while Sturridge’s return will be good news to Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.

But Rodgers is keen to see what Sturridge can do for Liverpool first, and admits that the Anfield club have struggled in the 26-year-old’s absence.

"If you’re going to compete at the top of the table, you need to have big quality and we have got some very good players here,” he said.

“But Daniel Sturridge has shown over his time here that he is a really top talent. And when you miss that type of quality out of your team, you can suffer for it.

"I thought he was outstanding today. He is probably disappointed he didn’t have a hat-trick, but his overall game and touch and two finishes were outstanding.”

Another England international, James Milner, also grabbed the headlines after scoring his first goal as a Liverpool player.

The 29-year-old told LiverpoolFC.com: "It's been a frustrating few games before now and I maybe could have been on the scoresheet [before] but I'm delighted to do that.

“But it's all about the win today. It is nice to contribute and score but the win was vitally important.”

England are next in action on Friday 9 October, when they take on Estonia at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, and you can be there. Click here to get your tickets