Lallana can give the kids the spark they need
Jordan Henderson has spent his whole England career having to justify what he can do, rather than what he can’t. It was in November 2010 that Fabio Capello handed the midfielder his first cap, and he is now the most-capped player in Gareth Southgate’s youthful squad. Henderson has been to the last four tournaments, but it was only at last summer’s World Cup that England did not feel the need to hold an inquest. Reaching the semi-finals was beyond everyone’s expectations. But, even then, there was a feeling of ‘what if’ after losing to Croatia. Most of it centred on why England could not find a player like Croatian captain, Luka Modric. Someone capable of dictating the tempo and playing those killer passes in midfield. Henderson has many admirable qualities, but that is not his game and he knows it. For the double headers in Croatia on Friday night and against Spain in Seville tomorrow, Southgate has gone for youth with James Maddison, Mason Mount and Jadon Sancho handed their first call-ups. But the Liverpool captain feels the man England really need is bursting to come back after injury – his club team-mate, Adam Lallana. “I understand that type of creative player is rare to come by,” says Henderson. “The best example of that type of player we have is Adam. “He is a big part of Liverpool and England, and we have missed him and what he brings to the team. “Of course, you are going to miss someone of that quality. “But we have different types of players. If I look at Dele (Alli) and Jesse (Lingard), who play in that similar position, I feel they are creative. They create and score goals. “I have a different role. I’m playing deeper for Liverpool and have done the same for England, especially at the World Cup. “It’s a more-disciplined role. Now and again, you want to pick a pass or two in behind, but when we are attacking – and especially at Liverpool – I’m focusing on being disciplined and being careful and worried about counter-attacks. “So it’s hard to do both.” Last season was ruined by injury as Lallana suffered thigh and hamstring problems, which cost him a World Cup spot. Southgate called him up for the internationals in September, but the 30-year-old picked up a groin injury and has not played since. He is line to return in Liverpool’s match at Huddersfield next Saturday, and Henderson can see what his friend has been through. “It has been tough for Adam,” admits Henderson. “He was buzzing how the World Cup worked out for us, but there is a part of him that wanted to be there. It would have been difficult mentally for him, but that is now finished. “He had a good pre-season, then picked up another little injury, which set him back a bit. “That was tough for him to deal with, but he is a strong character and has good people around him, so he will bounce back. “Now I see him in training, it’s like he has never been away. He is such a big talent. “It’s exciting for me to know that when Adam comes back in, he can take us forward more with Liverpool and England.” Lallana will be welcomed back with open arms by Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp. He wanted him as the man to cope with Philippe Coutinho’s departure in January, but he has barely kicked a ball since. And Henderson thinks that people outside of the Liverpool and England squads don’t realise quite how good Lallana is. “There are not many players like Adam,” he adds. “He is unique. He is so good on the ball but he has a great work ethic and still does the defensive work. “Obviously he’s my friend but I rate him really highly. You could see right away in his first training session how good he was. “A lot of the lads will tell you the same. He has shown it in the Premier League and at international level. Now he just needs to come back, get a run of games and he’ll be stronger for it. “If he stays fit, he can still have a massive impact.”