Gary Neville and Roy Keane have weighed in with their own praise for Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Gareth Southgate has again selected Henderson in his England starting 11 this evening as the Three Lions prepare to take on Senegal in the last-16 of the World Cup. Opting to start the 32-year-old alongside Declan Rice in a more deep-lying midfield role, the former Sunderland man has earned his role after some strong performances thus far in Qatar.
England know should they progress against the current AFCON champions tonight, defending champions France await in the quarter-finals, with Les Blues seeing off Poland 3-0 in today's earlier game. Henderson will again hope to impress, with both Neville and Keane explaining just why the Three Lions boss has selected the Liverpool man from the start.
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''I think it is more conservative, I don’t think England have been fluid in that area but Jordan Henderson is dependable, he’s played in big games for Liverpool and for England,'' began Neville as he spoke prior to the tie.
''Kalvin Phillips is short of football, Mason Mount’s been out of form, Gareth has told us he doesn’t see Jack Grealish or Phil Foden as central midfielders, it’s the right choice, a little bit safe. I know the fans would like creativity but I’m sure Jordan [Henderson] will do a good job for us tonight.''
Keane echoed those words, adding: '' I think it could be more Rice sitting, two players getting forward. Jordan’s played in that position before, I think that’s a solid midfield, no problem with it.
''You’ve got three great attackers in your team, it’s their job to go and win the game, do their jobs, their mindset and the first thing to do is not to lose it,'' he added. ''So I think it’s a solid midfield, no problem for Jordan Henderson in there, he’s played in big games over the years, no problem.''
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