Peter Crouch has claimed in his column for the Daily Mail that Liverpool and England are ‘lucky’ to have Jordan Henderson in their squads after maturing into a ‘faultless’ leader.
The former Reds striker has praised Henderson for how he has handled being out of the side at Euro 2020. Gareth Southgate has only fielded him the from the bench in three of the Three Lions fixtures entering the semi-finals.
Henderson came on in the second half of the quarter-final win over Ukraine to afford Declan Rice a rest. And he would head home his first career international goal in his 61st appearance. But Crouch equally admires his leadership for setting the tone off the pitch.
Crouch admits he thought Liverpool had made a mistake when they signed Henderson from Sunderland for £20m in 2011. But 10 years and a month later, his opinion is the opposite.
“What a player he has become,” Crouch wrote. “I remember when he first went to Liverpool 10 years ago, he gave the impression he was lucky to be there — now, his club and country are lucky to have him. He has matured into a leader and the example he sets is faultless.
“It won’t be easy for him, not starting, but he is always ready when he is called upon. He will be setting the tone for all those who aren’t getting into the first XI regularly and showing why the team must always come first.”
Liverpool captain Henderson equally key for England off the pitch
Like Crouch says, Liverpool captain Henderson is equally as important for England on the pitch as he is off it. He will hold the dressing room to account when things are not going well, and give them as much confidence and support when things are going to plan.
The £140,000-per-week ace has almost been a cheerleader at times at Euro 2020, barking encouragement from the sidelines. Yet he has accepted the role without an issue and has given his all to the situation he is in.
But he is just as ready to come off the bench and make the impact himself, as seen from his goal on Saturday. And it is also important that the other England players are pleased to see Henderson do well, from his long-time teammates to the younger members of the squad.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
