Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge has expressed his desire to lead the line for England at the 2012 European Championships this summer.

The 22-year-old believes that he is capable of taking on the role of Wayne Rooney, who is suspended for the first two games of the tournament, and is eager to stake his claim for a permanent starting place.

"I am someone who is trying to champion a new way of playing - in my team, in my national team and in my career," he said.

"You only have one football career and in 10 years' time I don't want to look back and be depressed because I didn't achieve my targets. So I believe I can do it.

"Wayne Rooney is obviously a world-class player, everyone knows that. But the one thing that's always driven me on is that desire to succeed, to be the best I can be. So I would love the opportunity."

Sturridge has scored nine league goals so far this season, helping his side to fifth in the table.