IF RICE IS THE FUTURE, WHY STICK WITH HENDERSON?
It would be very unfair to compare Jordan Henderson to Declan Rice in terms of shots on target or goals.
Henderson has had neither this season — against Rice’s two goals and five shots — but then that isn’t his job.
Jurgen Klopp’s instructions at Liverpool are very specific and it is plain that Henderson’s duties lie elsewhere. then again, if Klopp thought Henderson was a midfielder capable of influencing a game in that way, he would surely allow him the freedom. Henderson has made eight chances this season, but then so has Rice. And Rice’s interceptions, 39, are close to double those of Henderson with 21. Against that, Rice is in an inferior team, with more defensive work to do.
Passing, 50-50 duels, aerial duels, are all in the same ball park. And Henderson is the captain of a team on top of the league; Rice is a novice.
So why the clamour to play Rice against the Czech Republic tonight? Perhaps because we have seen what England can do with Henderson and it only goes so far. Henderson was outstanding in the biggest matches for Liverpool last season and performed admirably at the World Cup as England reached the last four.
Yet it’s still the last four. there must be the ambition to go beyond, and that means evolution. Henderson is very vocal, a senior squad member and a good team man.
He turned up for England training this week, when many would have cried off with injury. Managers appreciate loyalty and commitment. But is it enough to guarantee a starting place, if better options are available? Rice, long term, looks the answer for England. And if Gareth Southgate thinks so too, why wait?