Sturridge shines as Liverpool beats Bournemouth 2-1 in EPL

BOURNEMOUTH, England (AP) - When he's not injured, Daniel Sturridge is making a strong case to feature for England at the European Championship, scoring one goal and setting up Roberto Firmino for the opener, in Liverpool's 2-1 victory at Bournemouth in the English Premier League on Sunday.

Joshua King grabbed a fine consolation in the third minute of injury time, very briefly threatening to spoil what has been an impressive week for Liverpool, ahead of the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield on Wednesday.

Liverpool can still reach at least the top six under manager Juergen Klopp, who made 10 changes to the team that defeated Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on Thursday in the Europa League.

Liverpool is tied for seventh with Southampton, while newly promoted Bournemouth appears already confident of survival in the league.

Bournemouth went behind in the 41st minute, thanks to Sturridge.

With his back to goal from inside the area and few opportunities available, Sturridge produced a powerful back heel toward goal that Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc could only parry to Firmino. The forward tapped in with an ease that was only matched by Liverpool's second goal, six minutes later.

Jordon Ibe crossed to Sturridge from a free kick and the striker headed in under minimal pressure.

In the second half, when through on goal with time and space after Joe Allen's pass, Sturridge sent a classy chip beyond Boruc but just against the outside of the post, and he later struck the post after creating his own space.

King got one back for Bournemouth in injury time. After showing his composure to chest and control a high ball on the edge of the area, he turned and powerfully shot into the bottom corner.