England captain Steven Gerrard has claimed that Liverpool and international teammate Daniel Sturridge has the potential to become "one of the best strikers in the world".

Ahead of tonight's World Cup clash with Italy, Gerrard has also said that the forward has been "the best in training" since Roy Hodgson's side arrived in Brazil.

"He's been the best in training. He's been electric. Sometimes he doesn't realise how good he is," Gerrard told reporters.

"He is capable of taking this World Cup by storm, that's how good he is. He's capable of becoming one of the best strikers in the world."

Sturridge scored 24 times for Liverpool last season.