After narrowly missing out on the English Euro 2012 squad, Sturridge has been handed a massive chance to shine on the world stage this summer, after being named in the 18-man Great Britain squad for the Olympics this summer.
A collection of the world’s young starlets will take centre stage this summer as they battle it out at London 2012, and will play Senegal, UAE, and Uruguay in the Group Stages later this month.
After Fernando Torres’ bit-part role in Euro 2012, which still saw him pick up the Golden Boot, Chelsea fans all over will be praying that Sturridge has a great Olympics, which could steer Chelsea to a title push next season, as goals from the forwards was lacking badly last campaign.
A summer where Chelsea have been discussing youth, young Ryan Bertrand has also been handed a spot in the squad, although there was no place for Josh McEachran.
Bertrand is highly tipped to be Ashley Cole’s successor, and made 14 appearances last season, meaning we could well see more of him this season, especially if he has a good Olympics.
Great Britain are third favourites to win the competition, although fourth favourites Uruguay are in the same group, which could prove tough.
Best Odds for Olympics Football Winners:
Brazil – 9/4 (PaddyPower)
Spain – 11/4 (PaddyPower)
Great Britain – 7/1 (BlueSQ/Ladbrokes)
Uruguay – 9/1 (BlueSQ)
Switzerland – 21/2 (Bwin)
Mexico – 16/1 (PaddyPower)
Japan – 40/1 (BlueSQ)
South Korea – 40/1 (BlueSQ)
Senegal – 50/1 (BlueSQ)
Belarus – 50/1 (BlueSQ)
Egypt – 66/1 (BlueSQ)
Gabon – 66/1 (BetFred)
Morocco – 66/1 (BlueSQ)
Honduras – 200/1 (BlueSQ)
New Zealand – 200/1 (BlueSQ)
UAE – 250/1 (BetVictor)
So, who are your favourites for the title? Can Sturridge and Bertrand add more medals to the squad before the summer is out?
By Brad Smith
Follow @BrummieBrad