England manager Gareth Southgate has spoken out in praise of Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson ahead of his 50th England cap on Monday.
The Reds captain is expected to take to the field against Montenegro in an appearance that would make it a half century of Three Lions caps, becoming the first Englishman is almost three years to reach that milestone.
Southgate is a big fan of the 28-year-old: “To go into Steven Gerrard’s shoes, you couldn’t have a more difficult situation, but he has got great leadership qualities,” he said, as per the Daily Mail.
“He’s got some great human qualities I think. His drive, hunger to win and determination. He has constantly high standards, demanding of himself but prepared to challenge others and raise their level as well.”
OPINION
Henderson has to be one of the most underrated England players of recent times. He seems to be a figure of ridicule at times, someone who people think doesn’t contribute much to games or only passes the ball sideways. However, they couldn’t be more wrong. He is a vitally important player for club and country and that’s shown by how highly regarded he is by both Southgate and Jurgen Klopp. As Southgate says, stepping into the shoes of Gerrard as Liverpool skipper is about as tough of an assignment as there is in professional football. He has done a good job, though. He’s not the inspirational figure that the Rangers boss was for the Reds, but he is a calming influence and a hugely reliable presence in the middle of the park. His leadership qualities are immense and hopefully he starts to get the recognition that he deserves after his 50th cap on Monday.
