Daniel Sturridge has insisted that he will always play for England when selected, despite his international commitments costing him a start in Liverpool's draw with Everton on Saturday.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers claimed that the 24-year-old was not fit to feature from the start in the Merseyside derby after he completed 90 minutes against Germany last Tuesday with a dead leg.

However, Sturridge, who came off the bench to score Liverpool's equaliser at Goodison Park, has stressed that the opportunity to represent the Three Lions is something that he could not turn down.

He told reporters: "For me, regardless of what condition you are in, if you are selected by the manager of England you go out there and do the best you can, regardless of whether you are injured or not.

"The manager [Roy Hodgson] gave me that opportunity and it was a pleasure to put the England shirt on. Fit or not fit, you go out and do your best."

Sturridge's 89th-minute header against the Toffees was his 11th goal in 14 Reds appearances this term.