England boss Roy Hodgson is relishing the opportunity to have Daniel Sturridge back in his squad.

The 25-year-old missed five months of the season due to a series of injury problems initially sustained while on duty with the Three Lions back in August.

However, the forward has made an instant impact for Liverpool since his return, scoring against West Ham and in his side's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

"Of course I am excited to have him back," Hodgson is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying. "As long as he playing well and playing.

"I haven't had to the pick the team yet or squad yet - I have a few weeks to do that. But, of course, I have always said that Daniel, for me, is a player that I think has the talent we are looking for.

"I am really delighted that he is not suffering from his muscle problems any more and we have the chance to bring him back."

England are next in action at the end of March in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley.