Rodgers: Reds' England quintet can serve Hodgson well

Wednesday 12 Feb 2014
Sturridge and Sterling scored three of Liverpool's five against Arsenal
Brendan Rodgers says he is delighted with the form of Liverpool’s English contingent and believes it bodes well for Roy Hodgson in World Cup year.

The Reds lined up with five English players in their starting 11 for the stunning 5-1 victory against Premier League title-chasers Arsenal on Saturday, and Rodgers singled out the group for particular praise.

"Everyone knows Steven [Gerrard’s] qualities,” said Rodgers.

"Jordan Henderson has shown his tactical development, maturity and leadership qualities while Raheem Sterling, for a kid of that age to be playing at the level he is, with invention, speed and scoring a couple of goals in a big game, has been absolutely outstanding.”

Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers was speaking ahead of Liverpool's trip to Fulham


Another England player in scintillating form is Daniel Sturridge – who has scored eight goals in seven games – and Rodgers added that the 24-year-old has matured in to player that can star in Brazil. 

"Sturridge speaks for himself, he'll get goals,” he added.

"His transformation from being a Chelsea reserve player to being what I consider to be the No9 for England for a World Cup is a good signal for, especially young British players, that if you come to Liverpool you will get your opportunity if your focus is right."

The fifth member of Liverpool’s English quintet, Jon Flanagan, has also caught Rodgers's attention.

A 20-year-old academy graduate, Flanagan has been deputising for established England right-back Glen Johnson after he was sidelined by injury but prior to that was also utilised on the left of defence.

Rodgers believes that tactical flexibility makes him a candidate to replace Johnson in the national team, although he admits this summer's World Cup may come too soon for the youngster.

"I think it might come too soon for him this year but he has all the qualities to play in that position," he added.

"Glen Johnson is in there and Kyle Walker [of Tottenham] has been a regular but if you are playing for a club like Liverpool at the age of 20 and you are producing the performances he has done I think he has shown the potential.

John Flanagan

John Flanagan has impressed Rodgers this season

"The key for Jon is consistency, making sure he doesn't think he has cracked it.

"I think he has learned from the last time he was in and out of the team and he has now taken his opportunity and you can see that hunger.”

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer