It says much about the transitional state of Roy Hodgson’s England squad that Jordan Henderson has emerged as an unlikely leader. For all his on-field qualities, the Liverpool midfielder has always seemed a shy and retiring type off the pitch, yet thrust himself into the limelight yesterday to defend the honour of Raheem Sterling.
Sterling was being quizzed about his perceived dip in form during the World Cup after an excellent performance against Italy in the opening game, when Henderson lost patience with the inquisitor. The 24-year-old is not a natural orator, so his decision to intervene on behalf of his teenage team-mate was as impressive as it was unexpected. “I thought he didn’t have a bad game,” Henderson interjected, showing just a hint of frustration. “I thought he done well, a 19-year-old playing in the World Cup on the biggest stage. I thought he was our best player in the first game against Italy. And against Uruguay he tried to be positive and take players on. In both games I thought he was outstanding.”
Sterling’s assessment was less bullish, although he is clearly capable of speaking for himself. Having provided a more compelling indication of his true talent in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, he has joined the England squad on a high, but is still willing to address his limitations. While his importance to England’s future is not in doubt, his best position is the subject of some debate and he is keen to continue his education as a No 10.
“To play in that position you’ve got to learn, massively, about game understanding,” Sterling said. “To know when to give and go, and when not to dwell on the ball as I was doing a lot last year.”
Shooting is his most obvious shortcoming, as Brendan Rodgers reminded him after a weak sidefoot against Tottenham. “He’s joked about it and said it was like a baby’s shot,” Sterling said.
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Given such a managerial put-down he may require Henderson’s services as a minder after all.