Jordan Henderson is ready to take on a more advanced role at the World Cup if England boss Gareth Southgate opts for Eric Dier as his preferred midfield anchor.
Henderson and Dier have played together in the engine room on many occasions but Southgate suggested this week he is keen to play with a solitary pivot alongside two more attacking central players.
Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli are both more natural fits for that kind of task but Henderson has played the number eight position in the past and would have no concerns about doing so again in Russia.
“I will play wherever he wants me to play – whether that is a more protective role or a more advanced role,” said the Liverpool captain.
“Obviously I have been a lot more used to the more entrenched position, but I would be pretty comfortable in either position.
“Every time I play for England I try to do my best and try to give everything.
“It is up to the manager to decide who is in the best XI for the first game and then for the games after that but I have felt in good form for a long time.”
One notable omission from Henderson’s CV, should he find himself pitching for a move upfield, is an England goal.
He has yet to hit the target in 39 appearances, but came close during Thursday’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica when a fierce drive was beaten away by Keylor Navas.
“I probably caught it too well,” he said. “It was a good save from the keeper. It was just sort of bobbling about so I thought I would have a go.
“My role has changed for my club and my country, really. It isn’t about scoring, it is about other people scoring and for me, it is about protecting a lot more.
“It’s trying to create now and again, going forward and trying to start the play off.”
