Roy Hodgson Conscious of Raheem Sterling Burnout

England manager Roy Hodgson has assured Liverpool that the fitness of winger Raheem Sterling will be managed amid concerns from Brendan Rodgers that the player is on the verge of burnout.

Sterling played just 45 minutes of the 5-0 win over San Marino on Thursday, but Hodgson insisted the change was not linked to Rodgers' criticism of the previous handling of Daniel Sturridge, who has missed the last nine games with a thigh injury suffered during England training.

Rodgers has expressed his concern over the workload taken on by the 19 year-old, who has already made 13 appearances in all competitions for club and country this season, and Hodgson admits that while Sterling will not be rested against Estonia his condition will be scrutinised.

"We are conscious of managing the situation," Hodgson told Sky News, ahead of England's second European Championship qualifier against Estonia on Sunday.

"When he shows signs of not being quite as sharp, not doing as well, trying too hard, that might be the moment we think we have to manage this and give him a break.

"I don't think the situation will need managing until he shows signs of suffering from it. But that is not the case at the moment and I don't think Liverpool need to worry.

"In the first half against San Marino, he was as lively as he could have been.

"At half-time, I said 'I am taking you two off' (to Sterling and Jordan Henderson) and they looked at me like 'don't do that –we want to stay on' and that is quite nice."

Liverpool manager Rodgers added prior to the international break: "It is human nature there will come periods when they need the rest. I would think that Roy and his staff would have a look at things."

Rodgers was heavily critical of England's medical staff last month after Sturridge returned to the Reds with a thigh injury after participating in training less than 48 hours after playing in the friendly against Norway.

Sturridge has missed Liverpool's last seven matches, in which the club have won just three times, but is expected to return for the Premier League trip to Queens Park Rangers.