“The atmosphere in the last game here, against Turkey, was very good – and we got a good result as well, so it was good night overall”. “Hopefully I can get more minutes, get my match sharpness back, if you like, and hopefully keep progressing”, he said, before adding, “Come the first game of the Euros, hopefully I am on that plane and ready to go”.
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“I’ve always had in my mind to use this game as something sandwiched between the other two to rest players who have played a lot of football, or those who are definitely in my plans”. I need to work on getting that sort of feel back, the touch, getting involved in the game a little bit more, being more of a threat going forwards and just general play, really.
Henderson is one of five Liverpool players in the 26-man provisional squad named by Hodgson, although there are concerns that number could be cut as Daniel Sturridge has a calf strain.
Cahill’s absence means John Stones will get to partner Chris Smalling in central defence, while Fraser Forster will be in goal instead of first choice Joe Hart. “Obviously he’ll want to be playing some part in the next couple of games before the tournament”.
Uncapped Marcus Rashford will start if Sturridge misses out.
“The togetherness is very strong and hopefully that will have a big part to play for us at the European Championships and help us do well when we are over there in France”. Such a showcase occasion not only brought tens of thousands of visitors into the city and £millions into the local and regional economy, it also showed again Sunderland and the Stadium of Light as a truly global venue for top class sports, music and outdoor events. Lallana was the only one of the starters who didn’t complete the 90 minutes, he was taken off for Wayne Rooney at half-time.
Henderson, 25 said he found it hard going against the Aussies after such a long lay-off.
His dad’s pride was clear when talking about Jordan – who was born and raised in Sunderland – stepping out at his “home” ground, the Stadium of Light, as a full England global.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Leicester City, Southampton and Everton players feature in the game at the Stadium of Light. He has a lot of experience of England level with a lot of caps.
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Tonight’s match kicks off at 7.45pm and is a sell-out.
