Daniel Sturridge is better than Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, says Manchester United legend Andy Cole ahead of Euro 2016
'There are not many who can do what he does,' says Cole - but Hodgson expected to start with Kane and Vardy against Russia
FORMER Manchester United striker Andrew Cole has claimed that Daniel Sturridge is the best striker in Roy Hodgson's England squad.
It would seem that Hodgson is set on starting Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Leicester City's Jamie Vardy against Russia in the Euro 2016 opener on Saturday - but Cole believes Sturridge is the best option.
He told Omnisport: "He's England best centre forward when fit.
"I know Kane has had a very good season and Vardy has had an unbelievable season, especially after he got five goals last season and 24 this year - that's phenomenal.
"But keep Sturridge fit and he is England's best centre-forward.
"The goal he got in the Europa League final was majestic.
"The goals he has got for Liverpool this season when he's fit - and also when he was at Chelsea and Man City - show that.
"There are not many centre-forwards who can do what he can do."
Kane led the Premier League with 25 goals this season with Vardy joint-second with Sergio Aguero in 24.
Sturridge managed eight in the Premier League, from his 14 games - Harry Kane appeared in every game and Vardy missed just two.
Cole scored 271 goals in a prolific career that saw him star at Newcastle United and Manchester United before he continued to be effective later in his career.
He is the third top scorer in Premier League history, trailing only Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney with 187 goals, and was a crucial part of Manchester United's treble-winning team in 1999.
Although his England career never fired, Cole won just 15 caps, he ended his career with five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League with Manchester United and a League Cup with Blackburn Rovers.