Jordan Henderson admits he is prepared to adapt to positional changes as he seeks a prominent role for England at the World Cup.
Gareth Southgate is expected to choose between the Liverpool skipper and Eric Dier in midfield for his side’s opener against Tunisia.
Henderson appears to be leading the way in the battle for a starting spot on the back of a more productive season than his compatriot and an accomplished display in Thursday’s warm-up win over Costa Rica.
Discussing his role, Henderson told Sky Sports: “I will play wherever he wants me to play – whether that is a more protective role or a more advanced role.”
“Obviously I have been a lot more used to the more entrenched position, but I would be pretty comfortable in either position.”
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Henderson’s arguably superior urgency and passing range could see him favoured in aid of not only implementing a swift transition from defence to attack, but also switching the play to either wing-back as a means of disorganising the opposition shape.
The intensity and mobility he installs in Jurgen Klopp’s system on Merseyside could also be key in granting England’s array of attacking options the freedom to break forward in numbers and with speed on the counterattack.
With Tunisia and Panama expected to surrender possession against Southgate’s men, it seems unlikely the Three Lions boss will opt for the more defensively-inclined Dier.
It would, however, come as no surprise to see the Spurs star utilised as part of the central-defensive trio at times on the basis of his ability to play out from the back.