Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has backed in-form Daniel Sturridge to prove himself as England's best striker before the end of this World Cup season after kicking off the campaign with two winners.

The No.15 blasted Liverpool to three points with a long-range effort against Stoke on the opening day and secured another victory at Aston Villa on Saturday with a solo show of finesse and technique.

Sturridge has now notched 13 goals in 18 appearances for the club since Rodgers swooped to rescue the forward from the substitutes' bench at Stamford Bridge in January.

The 23-year-old has just six international caps to date and one goal for his country, but his manager believes the Englishman can establish himself as first choice in time for a trip to Brazil next summer.

"If you look at Daniel Sturridge and what he has, as long as he continues and keeps his fitness, he would be a big threat for any team," said Rodgers.

"You'd look at him and people would think he'd maybe be a Brazilian striker with his body physique and his pace and power.

"England are fortunate to have him because he's a big talent but he knows he needs to be consistent, he needs to get himself the games and the goals. I have got no doubt, though, that he will be a massive asset for England.

"He's got the England captain behind him, advising him and guiding him, all his teammates are fighting and running and working and he's very much a part of that.

"So he's got no arrogance; he's got a lovely footballing arrogance but as a human being he's a wonderful boy.

"It's about consistency. Strikers are judged on goals in games and if you judge him on that his record's very good.

"But it's still very early, he has a lot more to do, but there is no question he's potentially the top English striker. He's got all the tools to be that.

"He can move, he can sprint, he's a really good footballer as well; he's not just a goalscorer."

[OTPA_WIDGET_CONTENT]

While Sturridge has provided dividends at the front end of the pitch, the Reds have twice had new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to thank for ensuring the team recorded a clean sheet.

The Belgian saved a last-minute penalty from Jonathan Walters against Stoke and then kept out compatriot Christian Benteke with a sprawling reflex save in the closing moments at the weekend.

Rodgers added: "You always say that a good goalkeeper will save you up to 10 points a season.

"Last week he saved us two points with the penalty and against Villa he's made a terrific save at the end, so if you want to count that as another two, he's up four points already in the first two games.

"I think it's so important you've got a top 'keeper and we've got one at 25 now who's really hungry and really wants to play and improve."