BR: Raheem & Jordan deserve call ups
Brendan Rodgers believes the England re-calls for Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling is just rewards for the duo’s outstanding form this season.
The pair were among five Liverpool players along with Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Glen Johnson named in Roy Hodgson's 30-man squad for the friendly with Denmark at Wembley on March 5.
For Henderson, it could mean a first appearance for his country since November last year - and Rodgers feels it is fully deserved.
In an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.com at Melwood, the boss said: "It's a wonderful demonstration of how hard he's been working, but importantly how well he's been playing.
"England have got a lot of good midfield players, a lot of outstanding players - and Jordan is up there among them.
"I read a comment a few weeks back from Jack Wilshere talking about Jordan saying he was probably the most difficult opponent he's played against because of how hard he runs, how he presses and how good he is at being on the ball.
"Jack Wilshere is a wonderful young player, so that tells you the level Jordan is at. He is at a real good level.
"The thing about him is, before I came down to do this interview, I was speaking with him upstairs and he was analysing his game and areas he can improve with our analysts. He was then speaking to other people in terms of improving his performance.
"He's relentless that way. He wants to be the best he can be - and England is a better squad when Jordan is in it."
There's also a place for Sterling in the England squad, meaning his outstanding Liverpool form could be rewarded with a second cap for his country.
"In the period since he came into the team, he's been outstanding," added Rodgers. "He's really grown as a young player - it's easy to forget he's still only 19 years of age.
"There's no doubt in his position that he's one of the best players in England. Over the course of these last few months, you could argue there hasn't been anyone better than him in the England squad in that position.
"It's a great reward for him, his maturity and how he's approached the pressures of playing because he's played with a wonderful freedom and is working very, very hard for the team.
"He's very deserving of his opportunity."