The former Liverpool great has had his say on Jordan Henderson’s promotion to England captain for the game against Slovenia.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has said today in his column for the Liverpool Echo that current Reds captain Jordan Henderson deserves his shot at England captaincy after working hard throughout his career.
Full-time England skipper Wayne Rooney is to be benched for the World Cup 2018 qualifier against Slovenia tonight meaning the armband is free and yesterday it was confirmed by interim England manager Gareth Southgate that Henderson would be the man to take charge on the field.
This move has been well met by Aldridge, and the media in general, as the Liverpool great had his say in his column this morning.
John Aldridge in action during a charity match in 2014
“What a great honour it is for Jordan Henderson to captain England against Slovenia. It’s another sign of his development and he deserves it.”
Aldridge admitted than he had not always been the midfielder’s biggest fan, but appeared glad to be proven wrong by the 26-year-old.
“Henderson has had so many doubters over the years and I must admit I was one of them during his first season at Anfield when he didn’t do himself justice.
“But over time he has grown as a player and as a leader. Okay, it was only Malta on Saturday but Henderson was head and shoulders above anyone else on that pitch at Wembley.
Jordan Henderson (right) in action against Malta
“He’s such an honest player. He never hides. He’s always looking to get on the ball.”
England take to the field once again tonight under Henderson’s stewardship and, given the uncertainty over Rooney’s future for his country, it could be a sign that in both Henderson and Southgate, the team have a new leader on the field as well as off it.
Wayne Rooney’s England future is uncertain
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