Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has praised Jordan Henderson as the Liverpool captain and his teammates gear up to face Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.
Although the Reds skipper made his Sunderland debut before Bruce was appointed in June 2009, it was the 60-year-old that gave Henderson his real big break at the Stadium of Light. During the 2009/10 season, the midfielder made 38 appearances, scoring twice.
Prior to the Three Lions’ glamour tie against Azzurri tomorrow night, The Telegraph secured a personal message for every member of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad ahead of the huge match at Wembley.
For Henderson, it was Bruce – who was full of praise for the England vice-captain’s ‘attitude’ and ‘professionalism’.
“He has a great attitude, the way he conducts himself, it just goes to show what you can achieve. Liverpool captain, leading your country. Wow,” said Bruce.
“When he was an 18-year-old in pre-season training, he was dropping back on the long runs to encourage the older players and help them through it. He’s always had those leadership skills and that willingness to help others.
“He had this wonderful application and desire to learn and improve. But, by God, you would want a Jordan Henderson character in your team, no matter where you are or at what level.
“Watching him come on as a sub in the Denmark game and immediately start barking out orders to everyone. That’s Jordan.”
While the 31-year-old is yet to start for his country in the tournament, he has still made a number of key contributions, including a goal against Ukraine in the quarter-finals, his first ever for England.
