Jordan Henderson steps into England captain role after following in Steven Gerrard’s footsteps at Liverpool
Wayne Rooney had stardust in boots but his 3 Lions' successor has squeezed every ounce of talent he's got and defied critics
SOME players are born to be international footballers and England captains.
Wayne Rooney was one such player with stardust in his boots.
Others, such as Frank Lampard and Gary Neville, had to work like hell to get to the top.
Squeezing every drop of their ability while showing steely strength of character, particularly in the face of heavy criticism.
Jordan Henderson falls into this category.
The man who took over from Steven Gerrard as Liverpool skipper wears the England armband in only his 30th senior international against Slovenia tonight.
Henderson, 26, was his team’s best player against Malta — although that is not saying a lot.
And although the former Sunderland midfielder may not be universally popular, he is clearly growing in importance and influence.
When Dele Alli emerged as a potential star after securing a move to Spurs, there was a growing feeling within football circles that he was Henderson’s natural successor as a box-to-box midfielder.
But Dele has developed as a more attacking player, meaning Henderson could remain in this England team for years to come.
Rooney, who privately will be hurting after this big call from interim boss Gareth Southgate, said: “Jordan’s a fantastic leader.
“He took an incredibly difficult job from Steven Gerrard and has really grown into that position.
“He deserves his chance to captain England. I’m sure for him it’s a really proud moment and his family as well.”
Southgate added: “What stood out for me is that he has taken over as captain at a club where he has succeeded one of the most iconic players of all time in English football.
“That would have been a difficult challenge for him.
“He has matured from that. He has shown great leadership skills with his club.
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“He is used to being captain which is important. He has a voice and an opinion within this group. He has got his clear ideas of what we need to work on.
“He has good tactical understanding.
“Again, it was not an easy decision because there are other senior players in that dressing room.
“But he has captained a big football club and is used to that responsibility so it is the right decision for me.”
Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier takes Rooney’s place in the team.
Southgate added: “Eric and Jordan are going to be asked to do a different type of role than we asked Wayne on Saturday.
“Against Malta, we needed someone with a calm head to control the game and be on the ball all the time. The challenge of this game is different.”