Proud Jordan has no Hend in sight

ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to Jordan Henderson as the Liverpool captain is set to win his 50th international cap. Henderson, 28, will celebrate the landmark achievement when he lines up against Montenegro tomorrow night. Southgate insists the midfielder is a vital part of the England set-up despite losing out to Harry Kane when he decided who would skipper his Three Lions last year.

The manager said: “Jordan is a hugely proud Englishman and I know some of the moments last summer were really important to him and his family. He is very driven and he’s having a fantastic season with his club as well.

“And while I’m sure he would have loved to have been captain, he offered his immediate congratulations to Harry.

“He puts the team first. He’s a really selfless individual and that’s why he’s been an outstanding captain for his club.

“You couldn’t have a more difficult situation than filling Steven Gerrard’s boots but Jordan has got great leadership qualities.

“His drive, hunger to win, determination, constantly high standards – he’s got some great human qualities.”

Henderson will come under pressure from West Ham rookie Declan Rice, 20, over the coming years. But Southgate dismissed suggestions that the Kop star lacks the technical attributes to operate at the elite level.

He said: “I think sometimes we all look for utopia but Liverpool have pretty much been top of the league all year and were in a Champions League Final last year.

“So what is the level that is required? You need a balance of qualities to create a team. You can’t have three Harry Kanes, four Raheem Sterlings and two Marcus Rashfords.

“Every team needs a balance of personalities, qualities, skills and different attributes.”

SIMON MULLOCK