Sturridge set to miss Socceroos clash

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is expected to sit out Friday's game against the Socceroos after failing to train on Wednesday with the England squad.

It opens the door for Manchester United youngster Marcus Rashford to make his debut against Australia at Sunderland's Stadium Of Light.

England coach Roy Hodgson had been planning to use a three-pronged forward line with captain Wayne Rooney wide left, and Sturridge's Liverpool teammate to start on the right.

Sturridge had been earmarked for the centre forward role, but looks set to be sidelined with a calf injury.

Jamie Vardy is missing the match after getting married on Wednesday, while Harry Kane is expected to enjoy limited game time at best.

Sturridge didn't feature for England in Sunday's 2-1 friendly win over Turkey with Hodgson allowing his Liverpool players to miss the game having contested the previous week's Europa League final.

Despite a sublime goal from Sturridge to open the scoring, Liverpool lost the decider 3-1 to Sevilla.

Defender Gary Cahill was also absent from training on Wednesday after requiring an injection in the lead-up to England's game against Turkey.

Should Cahill miss the Australia match, Hodgson's defence will look even more shaky after John Stones' poor performance against Turkey.

Chris Smalling is expected to slot back in at centre back, and may well be forced to partner Stones if Cahill is unfit.