Henderson hoping to clinch Euro 2016 spot
Jordan Henderson is hoping he has proved his fitness ahead of the European Championships in France when Roy Hodgson names his final 23-man squad for the tournament on Tuesday.
The Liverpool captain put in an impressive outing as he played the full 90 minutes during the 2-1 friendly victory over Australia at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday night.
It was the midfielder’s first start since he captained the Reds in the Europa League quarter-final first leg tie with Borussia Dortmund on April 7.
Henderson, James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge were all included in Hodgson's initial 26-man party.
UEFA set a deadline of May 31 by which the squad has to be cut down to 23, and Liverpool’s No.14 is hoping he has done enough to make the final cut.
Reflecting on his display against Australia, Henderson said: "[It was] my first start in a while but still a lot of things I need to improve on and work on.
"But the most important thing was getting back out there, getting on the pitch and getting that sharpness back, that feel for first-team football again."
Henderson also hailed the display of Manchester United teenager Marcus Rashford who netted to become the youngest debutant scorer in England history.
“He's been brilliant for United all season and coming in here, [he had] no fear," he added.
"Within, I don't know how long it was, but it was early, he gets his first goal for England. Over the moon for him. We all feel that can be the start of something special for him."
England face Russia in their opening Euro 2016 game on Saturday June 11, followed by Wales on Thursday June 16 and Slovakia on Monday June 20.