FRANK LAMPARD is backing Daniel Sturridge to burst on to the England scene as Fabio Capello looks for the man to replace Wayne Rooney.

Rooney has been told he will not start another international until he has served his ban at the Euro 2012 finals.

And that could open the door for Chelsea hotshot Sturridge to stake his claim in next month's high-profile friendly against Spain.

Sturridge, 22, was named in Capello's provisional squad for last week's qualifier in Montenegro but failed to make the final 23.

Yet now he is in line for promotion from the Under-21s as Capello uses the forthcoming friendlies to look at his young contenders.

And Lampard is convinced his Chelsea team-mate has what it takes to succeed at the very highest level.

The midfielder, 33, said: "There is no doubt Daniel will break through at international level. It's just a matter of when it happens for him.

"He can be a great player for Chelsea and for England. He has skill, unbelievable speed off the mark and he can finish. What more can you ask?

"He brings the excitement that supporters crave and his pace gives him the ability to beat his man and create a goal out of nothing."

Sturridge hardly played for the Blues under previous boss Carlo Ancelotti but has impressed new manager Andre Villas-Boas since returning from a five-month loan spell at Bolton last season.

Lamps said: "His time with Bolton gave him the confidence that he could do it in the Premier League.

"He never got the chance here so he went to Bolton, scored regularly and returned to Chelsea for pre-season training with a spring in his step and showed he is going to be a top-drawer player.

"You can see the manager trusts him from the fact he has thrown him straight into the team this season."

Sturridge has been criticised in the past for being too big for his boots. But Lamps insisted: "Sometimes people confuse over-confidence with a desire to do well.

"He has every right to be confident because he has the ability to become a great player."