It’s official – Jordan Henderson will lead out England tomorrow night when the Three Lions play Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier in Ljubljana.
Jim White had told viewers of SkySports earlier in the day that Wayne Rooney would drop to the bench and that either Hendo or Chelsea’s Gary Cahill will be given the honours. But it’s now been confirmed that Jordan Henderson has been selected (Echo).
It must be stressed that this is theoretically only a temporary appointment. Interim boss Gareth Southgate has said Rooney will keep the armband going forward.
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However, with only one goal in 12 games, and badly out of form for both United and England, there are serious questions about Rooney’s long-term place in the squad — let alone as captain.
It means tomorrow is a great chance for Hendo to stake his claim. Lead by example and turn in another man of the match performance, and the armband could be his for keeps by the time the Russia World Cup rolls around in 20 months.