Sturridge grateful to Pearce

The Chelsea forward looked a serious doubt for the Games a fortnight ago when he was confirmed as having viral meningitis, but he played 45 minutes of the 2-0 friendly defeat to Brazil in Middlesbrough.

His game-time prompted Pearce to confirm that the 22-year-old is likely to retain his place in the 18-man squad that starts its campaign against Senegal, and Sturridge is grateful to his boss for his patience.

"I'm very happy. It's been a long road for me to get back and I've had to go through a lot of stuff over these last couple of weeks," he said.

"Thanks to the manager for being patient and waiting for me to get fit and thanks to the Chelsea doctor for being there for me when I was going through everything.

"It's been difficult because for two weeks I wasn't doing anything, so to get 45 minutes under my belt was crucial and I'm happy."

Goals from Sandro and Neymar saw off Sturridge and his team-mates, with Brazil demonstrating just why it is gold medal favourite.