Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Jordan Henderson is an ideal person to take to a World Cup because of his versatility, having played him in various positions in midfield and even at right-back when circumstances dictated, writes Carl Markham.
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson believes the improvements he has made since his last England cap give him a better chance of securing a World Cup spot.
Henderson has been recalled to the senior squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Chile and Germany having made his fifth and most recent appearance in the Euro 2012 quarterfinal penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.
His performances at club level have moved on significantly this season, earning him another chance at senior level having returned to England’s Under-21s for the 2012-13 season.
“It’s a massive boost and I’m delighted to be going there but when I’m there I need to make sure I’m working hard and do what I’ve been doing here really,” Henderson said.
“I think it (the World Cup) is up for grabs for anyone. If you are doing well and your team is doing well people will be looking at you but now I have the chance to go and train and possibly play I have to make sure I’m at it from the start.
“I am sure a World Cup will inspire anyone but football is enough to inspire me: just to go out and play every week. Hopefully I can do the best I can and get picked again. I definitely think I have improved over a few years so hopefully I can keep improving as time goes on.”
Henderson admits to feeling frustrated at having to watch on television England’s victory over Poland which secured qualification for the World Cup.
“You get a few days off (when not picked for international duty) but I didn’t really enjoy it to be honest,” he added.
“I want England to do well and I thought they were brilliant but it was disappointing I had a couple of days off and was watching it on the telly.”
But he knows if he can get a foothold in the squad, boss Roy Hodgson has already shown he has faith in him by throwing him on in that Euro Championship quarterfinal.
“It was in extra-time. Scotty (Parker) was a little bit tired so I tried to give them some legs in the middle and we obviously got beat on penalties, which was disappointing,” he said.
“It is brilliant he (Hodgson) could put me on at that stage of the game and believe I could go and do a job for the team. I feel as though I’ve improved since then.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Henderson is an ideal person to take to a World Cup because of his versatility, having played him in various positions in midfield and even at right-back when circumstances dictated.
The midfielder does not believe not having one permanent position will affect his chances and he is trying to add even more to his game to provide a greater level of creativity.
He is also benefiting from playing and training alongside England captain Steven Gerrard every week.
“Stevie helps me all the time, in training, off the pitch, and when you play with him you learn a lot from him so hopefully I can continue to do that,” he said.
“If I am playing in a more attacking position I have to make sure I am creating a lot more chances.
“Thankfully I was able to do that (producing a brilliant through-ball for Luis Suarez to score against Fulham) but I was a little bit disappointed I did not get on the score-sheet and I hope to add that to my game as well.
“I have to make sure I am nailing a regular spot in the first XI, that is my main aim: to keep playing every week for Liverpool.
“Wherever the manager puts me I will give it my best shot. If I can play in different positions well that can only benefit me.”
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