Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says it would be "amazing" if Jude Bellingham joins him at Anfield, but added the teenager must choose the club that is best for him.

Bellingham has become one of the hottest prospects in football during his time at Borussia Dortmund, as well as having an impressive World Cup alongside Henderson with England last year.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been linked with Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid among others, though recent reports suggested the Reds may struggle to finance a deal should the latter two start a bidding war, with Bellingham expected to demand a fee in excess of £100million (€114m).

Henderson has been as impressed as anyone by Bellingham, and though he hopes to be able to link up with him at club level as well as with England, said the youngster must "think about himself".

"I just want him to be the best player he can be – of course, if it ended up being Liverpool that would be amazing," he said. "But it's got to be right for him, and it's going to be every club you can think of that will want him.

"He has to think about himself and make sure he makes the right decision for his career. But there's going to be one lucky club that will end up getting him, whether that is now or in a year or two it will be a lucky club."

Bellingham has 10 goals and six assists in 34 games for Dortmund this season, and Henderson detailed what it is about the former Birmingham City player that makes him stand out.

"His potential is through the roof, really," Henderson added. "He can be as good as he wants to be – but he's got the right mentality, which is the most important thing.

"He is a really special player and I can't believe his age and his mentality, how he applies himself to training and the games, everything. I've never seen it before, so I'm pretty confident that he'll be a pretty good player for many years to come.

"Honestly, I can't believe his age, how mature he plays, how mature he is off the pitch, in the gym, training, everything, recovery day after the game. He is just dedicated to football.

"He's a special player, but I've said it before we just need to be careful not to apply too much pressure on him but let him play football. When you let him play football you can see what he does for Dortmund, you can see what he does here for England.

"Every time he puts on an England shirt he grows and is getting better and better all the time. Of course there are things he can improve on and get better at – he's only 19 – but the platform and the basis he has got he can go as high as he wants to."

Jordan Henderson has warned his Liverpool team-mates not to get too overconfident following their thumping 7-0 win over Manchester United.

The Reds inflicted a record Premier League defeat on their fierce rivals – and their joint-heaviest loss ever – in Sunday's one-sided contest at Anfield.

While Liverpool took particular enjoyment out of thrashing United, the result also moved them within three points of fourth-place Tottenham with a game in hand.

Newcastle are four points off the Champions League qualification spots, meanwhile, and have two games in hand on Spurs.

Liverpool have now taken 13 points from the past 15 on offer, but Henderson does not want his colleagues to get too ahead of themselves.

"Hopefully we can use it in the right way but you can't get too confident or overconfident, for sure," he told Liverpool's official website. 

"There are different tests along the way from now until the end of the season that will come and you need to stay positive, stay ready and stay hungry like we were [on Sunday].

"That will give us a good chance to finish the season well."

Henderson made his 400th start for Liverpool in all competitions in their memorable victory over United, 20 of those coming in the 2022-23 campaign.

It has been a disappointing season for the Reds on the whole, but captain Henderson is pleased to have seen the Liverpool of old against United.

"The performance for the whole game was really good. Intensity and energy levels were high, and something that we have been missing for a while this season," he said. 

"I thought we performed to the levels we are capable of and when you do that you get your rewards with the goals."

Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah all scored two goals each, while Roberto Firmino – who will leave Anfield at the end of the season – completed the rout.

Liverpool scored from seven of their eight shots on target in a ruthless display, scoring as many goals as they managed in their previous eight league games combined.

"Everything seemed to go in," Henderson added. "There was some great finishing, some great runs, movement and the delivery was good, so everything seemed to work.

"Hopefully this gives everyone the confidence to keep building, keep working and keep going right until the end of the season and see where we can get to."

Liverpool return to action on Saturday with a trip to bottom side Bournemouth, before facing Real Madrid in the second leg of a Champions League last-16 tie they trail 5-2.

Mohamed Salah's record-breaking Premier League exploits with Liverpool are "no coincidence" to Jordan Henderson due to the forward's work ethic.

The Egypt international surpassed Robbie Fowler as Liverpool's all-time top scorer in the competition after a brace in a remarkable 7-0 rout of fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

A pair of second-half strikes at Anfield extended his impressive record against old foes United, with 12 goals in his last 12 appearances in the fixture and nine in the past five meetings.

Salah also boasts the record as the top-scoring African in the Premier League and Liverpool's record scorer in Europe, with yet another achievement coming as no surprise to Henderson.

The England international told Sky Sports: "I'm really happy for Mo because it's not a coincidence that he gets these numbers.

"He dedicates his life to football every single day, how hard he works, he's the first one in and last one out. It's not a coincidence so I'm delighted for him."

Liverpool's biggest victory over United – surpassing a 7-1 second-tier thrashing in October 1895 – moved Jurgen Klopp's side within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham, having played a game fewer.

Henderson suggested a humiliating defeat for United tasted sweeter for Liverpool given Erik ten Hag's side lifted the EFL Cup just a week before with victory over Newcastle United at Wembley.

He added: "It is a little bit because of how well United have been playing of late; they have just won a trophy the other week, which will have hurt us as a team a little bit watching them lift that and they have been doing really well this season.

"For us, it was just about today and about performing to the levels we're capable of, and we managed to do that and the momentum kept building and we ended up getting seven.

"Like Mo said, we've got to take each game as it comes now. It's a big win but we need to concentrate on the next one."

Klopp's men are just seven points adrift of third-placed United despite Ten Hag's side repeatedly coming into praise in recent weeks for apparent progression under the Dutchman.

Liverpool have struggled for form this campaign, but Andy Robertson urged the Reds to push on after picking up 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five league games.

The left-back, who assisted Cody Gakpo's opener, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "When it's a big game like this with two big teams, the first goal is always crucial.

"The message at half-time was much of the same and it went to plan and a bit more!

"We were so clinical, so good in every area of the pitch and we couldn't have ever envisaged this score but when players are confident that's what happens. Something just clicked.

"It felt like we were all over them and knew where the ball was going to be at all times. The lads can take a lot of confidence from it but we've got another big game next Saturday [at Bournemouth]

"It's three points in the right direction but we have to use it and kick on for the rest of the season now."

Mohamed Salah expressed his delight at setting a "special" record for Liverpool during the 7-0 drubbing of Manchester United.

The Egypt star netted a brace during the rout to take his tally of Premier League goals for the Reds to 129, surpassing the previous record held by Robbie Fowler.

Having endured a disappointing spell with Chelsea before excelling in Italy with Roma, few would have expected Salah to have the impact that he has, but the forward was determined to make history when he arrived at Anfield.

Salah told Sky Sports: "It's very special, I can't lie. This record was in my mind since I first came here.

"In my first season, in my mind, I was always chasing the record so, to make it today against United with that result was unbelievable.

"I'm going home to celebrate with the family, chamomile tea and sleep."

Despite recording their biggest ever win over fierce rivals United, Salah says the Reds must stay grounded after they moved into fifth place - three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the battle for Champions League qualification.

"It's very special to win the game like that but at the same time, we don't want to go into the next game with overconfidence," he added.

"We just need to be humble, just play and win games. We're not in the position that we want to be, but hopefully this gives us a good push and we can keep winning."

That sentiment was echoed by captain Jordan Henderson, who also hailed Salah for his dedication.

"It's a fantastic day for everyone. The performance levels, every player was top quality. You could see the energy levels were back," he said.

"We have shown recently we are on the path back. It's a big win but we need to concentrate on the next game.

"I'm really happy for Mo. He dedicates his life to football. He is the first one in and the first one out."

Jordan Henderson knows Liverpool were their own worst enemies in a stunning 5-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid at Anfield.

The Reds made a dream start to the first leg of the round-of-16 tie on Tuesday, opening up a two-goal lead after only 14 minutes courtesy of a sublime Darwin Nunez flick and a Thibaut Courtois howler that enabled Mohamed Salah to become the club's record European scorer with 42.

That was as good as it got for Liverpool on Merseyside, as Vinicius Junior pulled one back with a sumptuous finish before Alisson's terrible attempted pass struck the Brazil winger and looped into the net.

An unmarked Eder Militao capitalised on abysmal Reds defending to head the holders in front early in the second and Karim Benzema's double put them in complete command.

Madrid beat Liverpool in the final last year and Carlo Ancelotti's side should seal their place in the last eight in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 15.

Reds captain Henderson feels the Premier League side only have themselves to blame after they conceded five goals at home for first time in Europe, with Madrid becoming the first team to win by a three-goal margin after being two down in the Champions League.

The midfielder told BT Sport: "It's Very difficult. For large parts of the first half we performed well and were unlucky to be level at half-time. We made too many mistakes. Real Madrid punished us every time tonight.

"A lot was [due to] their quality. We didn't help ourselves for sure. We didn't defend it [Militao's goal] well enough. The game went away from us at that point.

"The last two games we kept clean sheets. it's difficult to come here and speak. Yes, they have a lot of quality. When you're not 100 per cent defending they punish you. We caused ourselves problems at times. It's a tough one to take in the end.

"We still played a good first half. We were on top and created some good chances. There was a good chance at 2-0, a scuffle on the line. If that goes in it's a big moment.

"The second goal obviously is a mistake. The third we'll be disappointed with. That's when the game went away from us."

Henderson says Liverpool can ill afford to feel sorry for themselves as they look to climb from eighth in the Premier League and sneak a Champions League spot for next season, with their chances of qualifying as European champions looking so slim.

"It's [the second leg] still a few weeks away," he added. "We have to move on quickly. We have Premier League games before then, so we have to concentrate on that, and cross this bridge when we come to it."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson wants the report into the incidents at the Champions League final to represent a "turning point" after "inadequate organisation" by UEFA.

The May 28 European showpiece between Liverpool and Real Madrid was twice delayed before kick-off at the Stade de France, with fans unable to enter the ground and tear-gassed by police.

UEFA initially blamed Liverpool fans attempting entry with "fake tickets" before an independent review, commissioned by European football's governing body, placed the blame at the door of the organisers.

The report released on Monday apportioned "primary responsibility" to UEFA, while also criticising the actions of the French Football Federation and local police authorities.

On Tuesday, Liverpool demanded action from UEFA following what the report described as a "near miss", and Henderson is determined the events of last year must not be repeated.

"The Paris report needs to be a turning point for the treatment of football fans," Henderson wrote on Twitter, sharing Liverpool's response. "No one should have their safety jeopardised by inadequate organisation."

Comparisons were drawn by Liverpool supporters between Paris 2022 and the fatal events at Hillsborough in 1989, which resulted in the death of 97 supporters, with the report concurring that UEFA risked a repeat.

It stated "the parallels between Hillsborough 1989 and Paris 2022 are palpable", with incidents at both stadiums "preventable" and "caused by the failures of those responsible for public safety". 

Liverpool urged UEFA to "fully and transparently" fulfil the report's 21 recommendations, which included putting safety and security at the forefront of planning and having matches managed with a "facilitation and service" approach towards supporters, rather than viewing them as a potential public order problem.

The Premier League club added action must be taken "to ensure there are no more 'near misses'", and Henderson expects to see progress as soon as possible.

"The sooner action is taken, the better," he added.

To say this season isn't going according to plan for either Liverpool or Everton would be an understatement.

Liverpool have taken seven points from their six matches back since the World Cup break; Everton are on four from the same number of games.

The Reds could be as low as 11th by the time Monday's meeting between the Merseyside rivals takes place at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's team have looked a shadow of their former selves. Even in their poor title defence in the 2020-21 campaign, which included a 2-0 home defeat to Everton, they never seemed so unlikely to compete not only for the top honour, but Champions League qualification.

This time last year, Liverpool were in contention for an unprecedented quadruple; they would go on to triumph in the EFL Cup and FA Cup, though fell just short in the Premier League and lost 1-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

After selling Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich but bringing in Darwin Nunez and tying Mohamed Salah down to a new contract, Liverpool seemed set for another title push after beating Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Yet it has all gone downhill from there. They are out of both domestic cups and have no chance in the league, with their tally of seven defeats in the top tier closing in on their worst tally in Klopp's full seasons in charge (nine – 2020-21).

 

Everton, on the other hand, are mired in another relegation battle, with yet another manager in place. Sean Dyche arrived last month, following Frank Lampard's dismissal after less than a year in charge.

Dyche started in style at Goodison Park, however, guiding Everton to their first win since October by beating league leaders Arsenal 1-0.

That victory has not lifted Everton outside of the relegation zone, though it injected some optimism into the team and fanbase ahead of the short trip across Stanley Park.

The cornerstone of Everton's win over Arsenal was Dyche's midfield trio, while that area of the pitch is a clear issue for Klopp. It might just be where this match is won or lost.

Liverpool found lacking

It was easy to be impressed when Liverpool announced they had struck a deal with PSV to sign Cody Gakpo, before the January transfer window had even started.

Gakpo had starred for the Netherlands at the World Cup and was taking the Eredivisie by storm, having scored 21 goals and set up a further 25 since the start of last season up until his switch to Anfield. But he has yet to score or assist in six matches, creating only two chances across 497 minutes of action.

While Liverpool will be confident Gakpo will come good, the sensibility of signing another forward for big money when their midfield needs are so glaring could be called into question.

The Reds are reportedly keen to sign Jude Bellingham at the end of the season, and the Borussia Dortmund sensation might well be transformative. However, Liverpool needed reinforcements now, not in six months' time.

 

Fabinho's form has been erratic, and it feels as though the 29-year-old might well have passed his peak. The Brazil international is recording his lowest per-90 totals for duels (8.5), duels won (4.2), duel success rate (48.9), forward passes (14.8), attempted passes (59.7) and tackle success percentage (52.1) since he joined in 2018. On the flip side, he is giving away 1.7 fouls per 90, his highest tally in a Liverpool shirt.

He was fortunate to escape a red card in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on January 28 and then missed last week's defeat to Wolves through illness.

Stefan Bajcetic started in Fabinho's place against Wolves and has looked bright when called on, though at 18 cannot be expected to perform consistently week in, week out.

Thiago Alcantara came to Liverpool as one of the world's best midfield maestros, but injuries have limited him to just 93 appearances and 71 starts.

Indeed, Thiago has not lived up to the form he showed at Bayern Munich, and while he creates a scoring chance every game on average, he has only directly contributed to nine goals.

To sum up his frustrations, Thiago is a doubt for Monday's match due to a hip issue.

Jordan Henderson works as hard as ever, but at the age of 32 cannot be relied on to play 90 minutes up to three times a week. Naby Keita, on the other hand, has never really lived up to his price tag.

Harvey Elliott has solidified himself as a regular, playing 1,131 top-flight minutes, and he leads the way for open-play shot-creating actions when it comes to Liverpool's midfielders (68).

Liverpool's midfield has been the bedrock of so much success, but it's in need of a revamp.

 

Building blocks for Dyche

Having utilised a 4-4-2 for much of his time at Burnley, Dyche sprung something of a surprise in his first match in charge of Everton by playing a three-man midfield.

Yet this was not the awkward, disorganised 4-3-3 that Lampard had attempted to force into place in his latter days as Everton boss, but rather a solid, robust 4-5-1 that, off the ball at least, morphed into the two, solid banks of four that Dyche is renowned for.

Abdoulaye Doucoure had fallen out of favour under Lampard but was back in against the Gunners for his first league start since August, and turned in one of his best Everton displays.

Only Gueye (10) won possession more times than Doucoure (nine) for Everton, while the former Watford midfielder's tally of 27 attempted passes ranked third for the Toffees. He also made two interceptions (a team high alongside James Tarkowski and Amadou Onana) and won his only attempted tackle.

No Everton outfielder created more final third entries (seven), while Doucoure also played a key role in limiting Oleksandr Zinchenko's impact. The Ukrainian had a game-leading 121 touches though created only one chance.

On the opposite side of Gueye, Onana delivered another display that hinted at his immense potential.

While Everton have floundered in recent months, Onana seems to have settled into English football. He led the team in touches (47), tackles (four) and tackles won (two), and only Dominic Calvert-Lewin (nine) won more duels for the Toffees than the Belgium international (eight).

 

Dyche handed Onana the responsibility to press, and he won possession twice in Arsenal's defensive third. His recoveries tally finished at eight, including a well-timed intervention that resulted in the 21-year-old teeing up a fantastic chance for Calvert-Lewin.

Everton's new manager noted in his post-game press conference that Onana still had plenty to learn, but the signs are promising.

Gueye, meanwhile, thrived in his best role in front of the defence. Too often under Lampard, the 33-year-old was losing the ball in dangerous areas, but against the Gunners he completed all 25 of his passes.

One swallow does not make a summer, of course, and Everton have a lot of work to do to drag themselves out of danger. 

Everton are likely to lack Calvert-Lewin due to injury, whereas Liverpool still have a star-studded forward line to choose from. If Klopp's men can get a foothold in the middle of the pitch, another derby win should be theirs.

Indeed, given Everton have only won one of their last 22 league visits to Anfield, Liverpool still have to be considered huge favourites.

However, if Dyche can get his midfield to perform as they did against Arsenal, then Everton might just fancy their chances of getting something.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson assessed that "everything went wrong" for the Reds in the 3-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton.

Jurgen Klopp's side suffered a sixth top-flight defeat of the season as Danny Welbeck added to Solly March's brace to seal a memorable win for the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium.

The Reds have now started a calendar year with two league defeats in a row for the first time since 1993, while they have also lost as many as five away league matches in a single season for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign.

They could end the weekend 10 points adrift of the top four and Henderson wants to see a reaction from his team-mates in their next few games. 

"Everything went wrong from the start to the end," he said. "Brighton were better than us in all departments. It's a real low point as a team. We have to stay together.

"It's a tough moment but we need to get together, stay together and try and change things quickly. We have to try and learn and show a reaction.

"There wasn't one thing. It was numerous things and it hasn't been right for a little while now. Everybody knows that. We know we can be better.

"I'll take responsibility and the lads will. We have to try to put it right."

Asked if it was Liverpool's worst performance under the management of Klopp, Henderson said: "Probably. I can't remember another one. A really tough day.

"We're pretty low on confidence. The energy level is low. Everything. We can't feel sorry for ourselves. We have to keep fighting and hopefully we can change it sooner rather than later.

"We know we can play better and give even more. But you have to keep working."

Liverpool have an FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves on Tuesday, before a Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday.

Harry Kane "will be stronger" for having missed the penalty that saw England eliminated from the World Cup by France on Saturday.

That is the opinion of Jordan Henderson, who was substituted shortly before the Three Lions were awarded a second spot-kick in their 2-1 defeat.

Kane had scored the first to cancel out Aurelien Tchouameni's first-half goal, but his second attempt cleared the crossbar, meaning an Olivier Giroud header proved to be the winner.

No player in World Cup history has scored more spot-kicks than Kane's four, with this the first he has missed.

"We know how many penalties Harry has scored for us, how many goals he has contributed to even get us here," midfielder Henderson told ITV.

"He will be stronger for this in the future. He is a world-class striker and our captain. He will bounce back."

Henderson concluded "it wasn't our night", although he felt it could have been as England went toe-to-toe with the world champions.

"We felt good, the performances were really good, the focus and hunger has been really good," he added.

"But you have to give credit to France, who are a good team. I still feel it was there for us to win tonight."

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has hailed England midfielder Jordan Henderson for his "immaculate" World Cup performances.

Henderson was not named in the starting line-up for the Three Lions' opening two group games, but has made a big impression after featuring from the outset in the Group B closer against Wales and the last-16 triumph over Senegal.

The Liverpool midfielder scored the opener against Senegal, becoming his country's second-oldest scorer in the finals aged 32 years and 170 days, after Tom Finney against USSR in 1958 - at 36 years and 64 days.

Gerrard has been impressed with his former Reds team-mate's leadership qualities and believes his contribution can sometimes be undervalued.

"Obviously being an England fan I'm following England and Jordan from a personal point of view. I think he's been immaculate, both on and off the pitch," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.com.

"His last performance he was obviously man of the match, very well deserved, and he shut a few critics up that for some reason seem to point fingers at Jordan. 

"Being a midfielder, being around Jordan on the daily basis, to see the sacrifices, his dedication and what he puts into his own preparation, the hard work that he puts in, I'm not surprised that he's putting in this level of performance and I'm delighted for him. 

"But it seems as if a lot of people outside the LFC family don't need an invite to point a finger towards him so I'm delighted that he has shut a few up."

Asked what attributes Henderson brings to the England midfield, Gerrard added: "Experience would be the most important thing. 

"I think England have got a lot of young, exciting talent, but you need experienced players that positionally give these younger players licence to go and cause a lot of damage.

"I think Jordan, what he's found in that performance is a typical Jordan Henderson performance where he is solid, his A to Bs are all really good, positionally he is bang on, but at the right time he joins in and gets himself forward. 

"He's a really strong runner and his timing for the goal and his execution of the goal was world-class and it was the perfect all-round performance, so credit to him."

Henderson will be hoping to start again alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield when England take on France in a mouthwatering quarter-final on Saturday.

Harry Kane saluted Jordan Henderson's leadership qualities following his goal in England's 3-0 victory over Senegal.

The Three Lions vice-captain opened the scoring with a neat first-time finish from Jude Bellingham's square pass while Kane doubled the lead, before Bukayo Saka's second-half strike secured the Three Lions' World Cup quarter-final place in Qatar.

Aged 32 years and 170 days, Henderson became England's second-oldest scorer at the finals, after Tom Finney against USSR in 1958 (36 years, 64 days).

Gareth Southgate's side have looked a more cohesive unit since the Liverpool skipper was introduced into the starting line-up for their final Group B match against Wales, and Kane highlighted his impact on the team.

"He's one of the best leaders that I've played with," the Three Lions captain told England's official YouTube channel. "He's really vocal, he pushes players to the absolute max.

"That's why he's been great in the games he's played. [He's} outstanding with the ball, outstanding without the ball, pushing everyone. The way we've been pressing – it's good to hear him behind me pushing.

"You need different types of leaders amongst your team. I think we have four or five different types of personalities.

"Hendo's someone who – it doesn't matter who you are, what you've done – he'll keep pushing you.

"It was an amazing performance [against Senegal] by him, [it was] great to see him score. A lot of the other good stuff was down to his role in the team."

Henderson has 73 caps to his name, but Sunday's goal was only his third on the international stage.

Jude Bellingham can be the best midfielder in world football after starring for England in their win over Senegal, says England team-mate Phil Foden.

The teenager helped steer the Three Lions out of a cagey start to emerge as comfortable winners in Sunday's World Cup last-16 tie, nabbing an assist in a 3-0 victory.

It is the latest assured turn from the Borussia Dortmund youngster, who has firmly staked his place in the heart of Gareth Southgate's side at Qatar 2022, helping them to a joint-record goal haul at a major tournament with 12.

But Foden, who bagged England's other two assists in Al Khor, feels the sky can be the limit for the 19-year-old after helping to set up a quarter-final clash with France.

"I don't want to big him up too much because he's still young," Foden told ITV. "But he's one of the most gifted players I've ever seen.

"I don't see a weakness in his game. I think he's got everything. I'm sure he's going to be the best midfielder in the world."

 

Captain Harry Kane, who ended his own tournament goal drought to add England's second, concurred with Foden's assessment, but also offered wider praise for the winger and fellow goalscorer Bukayo Saka too.

"They're brilliant," he added. "All three of them today, having a big part in the goals, that's what we need.

"We've got a great mixture of youth and experience now. Over the years, it's not been easy for England. Credit to the boys, our mentality was top, and we took our chances when they came."

However, Bellingham himself was quick to pay tribute to one of the squad's most senior faces in Jordan Henderson, after the Liverpool man converted the former's low ball for England's opener when under pressure.

"I saw some of the rubbish written about him playing today," Bellingham said. "It's ridiculous. He's so underrated technically. He delivered again in a big game with a goal.

"The first 35 minutes were tough. They were hard to get through, but the goal was really well worked. When I get into those areas, I'm always confident the boys around me will take up brilliant positions."

Jordan Henderson is convinced England's experience of coming within touching distance of glory can make them better equipped to go the extra mile – because it is a process he knows all about from playing for Liverpool.

Defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley was a crushing blow to England, who felt they were on the brink of a first major title in over 50 years.

Gareth Southgate's team also went mightily close to reaching the 2018 World Cup final, missing out after losing to Croatia in the semi-finals.

They are getting close repeatedly, and this is relatable for Henderson given his 11-year Liverpool career has seen its ups, downs and close calls.

The Reds finished as runners-up in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League during Henderson's time at Anfield before laying their hands on each of those trophies, and he can see why England's situation is comparable.

"I suppose you could see similarities in terms of getting so close and just failing at the last bit until we ended up winning," Henderson said.

"I don't like to make comparisons with other teams, and especially club football, but I do feel like when you go through experiences together, especially good ones, but at the end you don't get what you want, that can make you really stronger as a team.

"I keep my runners-up medals. Not many players get to cup finals so I'll always respect the process of getting there. But when you just miss out on your dream then it can hurt a lot and that is what drives you to get better."

Henderson, an FA Cup and EFL Cup winner as captain of Liverpool last season, said complacency "won't be a danger" when England tackle Senegal in a last-16 tie on Sunday.

His former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane was ruled out by the Africa Cup of Nations champions just before the tournament began, after a cruel injury blow, but Senegal still beat Ecuador and Qatar in the group stage.

They are a team to be taken seriously, and Henderson, quoted in the Guardian, said: "We can say they are missing Sadio Mane, but they got into the knockout stages without him and they will be feeling confident.

"They are used to winning. We have just got to keep focused on what needs doing, not get too carried away, not look too far ahead."

Jordan Henderson believes England's men should take inspiration from the Lionesses' Euro 2022 success as they chase Qatar World Cup glory.

Sarina Wiegman's side secured England's first major trophy since the men's World Cup in 1966 after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany in July.

Gareth Southgate's Three Lions reached the semi-finals at Russia 2018 before suffering penalty shoot-out heartbreak in the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

Henderson was named as part of England's 26-man squad who will look to go one step further in Qatar, and the midfielder referenced the success of Wiegman's women as an inspiration.

"The Lionesses have done a fantastic job and the whole country was behind them," Henderson told the BBC.

"Hopefully we can take inspiration from that and perform like they did. If we do that then I'm sure we'll have a good tournament."

The Liverpool captain is expected to play a back-up role in Southgate's midfield, with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice being probable contenders for the starting XI.

Henderson will provide much-needed experience, though, as a Premier League and Champions League winner with Liverpool.

England will need such know-how if they are to go deep in the Middle East, where they are the only European team to have reached at least the semi-finals in each of the last two major tournaments.

Southgate's side start their Group B campaign against Iran on Monday before clashes with the United States and Wales.

Gareth Southgate says his position as England manager makes it difficult for him to speak out on political issues ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

 Harry Kane will be among several captains to wear a distinctive heart-adorned armband at the tournament, as part of the OneLove campaign against discrimination.

The captains of the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland and Wales will also wear the armband in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are criminalised.

Speaking to Iranian football podcast Gol Bezan, Southgate insisted he always endeavours to "make a difference" through his role, but must also consider the consequences of his words.

"I think there is a balance," Southgate said. "Our first job is to create a good football team, and with our national teams, there is always the opportunity to affect things beyond football.

"When that's been in a situation that has directly affected us, for example experiences of racism as a team with players from lots of different backgrounds, who have had tough journeys in their lives, we have been able to speak about those things authentically and we have been able to make a difference.

"But then there are other things that are, politically, more difficult to be clear on. With the tournament being in Qatar, we have had to do a lot of research and be clear on what we might be able to affect and what we might not be able to affect, what areas the government is dealing with.

"I have a responsibility as a national manager. I can't just speak and not think about the consequences of the position I hold, so I am always assessing all of those things and, where we can make a difference, we'd like to.

"Where we're not as informed or there are cultural differences, we also acknowledge and are respectful that other countries have differences as well.

"It is complicated, and I'm not a university-educated guy. I'm a guy who left school at 16 and is trying his best to help where I can."

England midfielder Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, says onlookers will always expect those involved in the game to do more to combat social issues. 

"When you do things as a team or as players, I'm always conscious that no matter what we do, it will never be enough," Henderson told BBC Sport.

"You've got to be satisfied in your own mind and know what you're doing you think is right and go with that."

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