Captain has the stomach for a battle: Skipper Steven Gerrard has backed Henderson's selection

'He is 21, he will gain experience, he will gain confidence, he will gain belief and he will improve and get stronger.

'I was 21 and was nowhere near the finished article. I can guarantee you that, if the public are criticising Jordan, they will change their opinion of him very soon.

'He will prove them wrong. He is good enough to do it and will thrive on what is coming up.'

Gerrard believes all the players have a responsibility to ensure the loss of Barry and Lampard, who have won 143 caps between them for their country, is compensated.

But he concedes it may lead to his own role in the side being modified ahead of tomorrow's international friendly with Belgium at Wembley.

« Previous12345678Next »