Former Liverpool star Adam Lallana has explained he’s not surprised by Jordan Henderson’s leadership tactics for England.
The Reds skipper is currently with the Three Lions for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Henderson will be hoping to be part of the line-up that faces Senegal in the last-16 tie on Sunday.
Lallana has earned 34 caps for England in his career, and has often been in the team alongside his close friend, Henderson. The former Red left Liverpool in 2020 after six years on Merseyside to sign for Brighton on a free transfer.
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Reflecting on England’s current hopes in the World Cup, Lallana has explained why he thinks it’s important that Henderson is included in the starting line-up. The Liverpool captain recently featured in the group stage win over Wales in what was his first start of the tournament.
Henderson’s leadership skills during the game were spoken about in the media, in particular his enthusiastic words towards Manchester City star Phil Foden. Now Lallana has explained how, from his own personal experience, Henderson’s behaviour will help his team-mates improve.
“I outlined earlier in the tournament about what Mount brings to a team, but the way the midfield three of Henderson, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice complemented each other in the victory over Wales was eye-catching,” wrote Lallana for The Times .
“It screamed solidity and intensity. There was a horribleness about England, a ruggedness, that made them difficult to play against. They were always at Wales; harrying and annoying whoever was on the ball.
“You could see some similarities with how Liverpool were when Jürgen Klopp first came to the club and it is no surprise that should be the case given the inclusion of Henderson in the starting XI.
“That style is all he has known for the last seven years, it is an approach that has brought such success in his career, and so, of course, he is going to transfer elements of that football when he pulls on an England shirt.
“Even over the television, you could hear him encouraging Foden for making a block tackle by the touchline in the first half. Foden is one of the most technically gifted players England possess, but he can still get a good feeling from running and making a challenge. It does not always have to be about shooting or scoring a goal.
“Henderson knows that. He is not passing those comments simply to be heard or for effect. He is doing it because he knows Foden will feel a little taller and can puff out his chest as a result. But he can call you out, too. I was on the receiving end during our time together at Liverpool. It was never personal, always for the good of the team, always about upholding standards.
“In those moments, Henderson is showing leadership. Every one of these England players has a super-strength and Henderson’s lies in his leadership.”
Lallana also spoke about Jude Bellingham, who has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. The former Reds midfielder explained how playing alongside the likes of Henderson will be beneficial to the Borussia Dortmund talent.
“What has been interesting from afar is to see how Bellingham interacts with him on and off the pitch,” Lallana added.
“I am sure that Bellingham will have been watching Henderson around the camp and on the field and picking up on the importance of that side of the game. He will look to add that to his make-up.
“The other important factor is that the England fans want to see that aggressive intensity from the team. They can relate to that.”
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