Sturridge came on at the break and bagged a stoppage time winner after fellow supersub Jamie Vardy had grabbed the equaliser.

Hodgson fears Harry Kane, who has started both of England's game so far, is suffering from burn out and is set to rest the Tottenham hitman for Monday's final group game with Slovakia in St Etienne.

Kane, who was withdrawn at half-time against Wales along with Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, has played an incredible 118 games in two seasons with Tottenham and England and is showing the effects.

And hinting that fatigue could open the door for Sturridge against Slovakia, with England looking to cement their place at the top of Group B, Hodgson said: "Harry and Raheem did well enough against Russia.

"But in the first half (against Wales) they showed signs of wear and tear.

"So it was quite an easy decision at half time to change it. We've taken a lot of attacking players with us on this occasion so the options are there.

"I'm looking behind me on the bench and thinking, ‘Who do I want? Do I want Sturridge on? Jamie Vardy? Marcus Rashford?"

But Hodgson is eager to ensure his five strikers keep on busting a gut to prove they should be given the chance to start for their country.

He added: "I would like to believe that none of them are so arrogant that they think their place is absolutely guaranteed in the team.

"I would be very upset if that was the case because I see them in training every day."

Sturridge suffered an injury-hit season, managing just 26 appearances for Liverpool.

But his Reds team-mate Adam Lallana reckons the striker is now back to his best.

Lallana said: "That was the fittest I have seen him for a while – that's even including towards the back end of the season for Liverpool.

"He just seems to be getting fitter and fitter and he was looking very dangerous against Wales and that's great for us.

"He doesn't need too many chances before he gets his name on the scoresheet and he showed what a vital player he is for us.

"He's always involved, he's a big player, involved in big moments. And as well as the winner, his cross for the first goal summed him up against Wales."