Daniel Sturridge stunner sets England on their way

England manager Roy Hodgson praised Daniel Sturridge for the striker’s sensational goal that set England on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win over Peru in a World Cup warm-up on Friday.

On a night when England said adieus to an optimistic Wembley crowd, Hodgson’s men, operating a 4-2-3-1 formation, looked rusty in the opening period until Sturridge blew away some of the cobwebs with a superb left-footed strike on 32 minutes.

Everton left back Leighton Baines set up defenders Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka to score from two devilish second-half corners as England eased to victory against a Peru side that failed to qualify for the tournament in Brazil.

“It didn’t look like it was going to be that comfortable in the first half when they got men behind the ball and defended well,” Hodgson said. “But as soon as Daniel came up with that fantastic goal I don’t think the game was in great doubt.

“It was really good tonight that Daniel could score that goal and this one was particularly important because it unlocked the game.

“It was a wonderful send-off to the World Cup by a quite incredible crowd,” Hodgson said. “It is the perfect end to a perfect two weeks. I am delighted that 85,000 fans came here to wish us well on our way.”