Jordan Henderson ready to step up for England after Steven Gerrard retirement

By Callum Mulvihill, Reporter | 01 August 2014

Jordan Henderson believes that he has a responsibility to become a leader for England following Steven Gerrard's retirement from international football.

Jordan Henderson has insisted that he is ready to step up for England following the retirement of Steven Gerrard.

Former captain Gerrard announced his decision to concentrate on Liverpool shortly after the disappointing World Cup campaign in Brazil came to an end, and Henderson believes that he can play a crucial role going forward for Roy Hodgson's side as they plan for life without his teammate.

"Let's face it, you can never replace a player like Steven Gerrard because he's probably the best player this country has ever seen - so yes, he's irreplaceable," the 24-year-old is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"I don't think you even necessarily try to fill that void. He is a one-off, I see him every day and I don't think there is any player like him.

"The likes of myself, Jack [Wilshere], Ross [Barkley] or whoever is in the England team need to take more responsibility, step up to the plate, and take more of a leadership role if needed. The group will work on that, whoever that will be."

Henderson has won 13 caps for England since his debut in 2010.