Henderson: Burnout is not an issue

Liverpool signing Jordan Henderson has dismissed concerns over fatigue ahead of playing for England at the Under-21 European Championships.

The 20-year-old midfielder completed a 16-million pound move to Liverpool from the Stadium of Light last Thursday.

He will play for England in this month’s Under-21 European Championships in Denmark after making 40 first-team appearances for Sunderland this season.

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is not playing for England after fears of burnout, but Henderson is confident in his ability to cope with the additional matches.

“I know there are managers and players worried about burnout and playing too much, but I feel fine,” Henderson said.

“Yes I’ve played a lot, but I’ve still got lots to give, still got energy.”

“We are young and want to play football and can achieve something special for our country.”

Wilshere opted to sit out the tournament in Denmark, claiming he was ‘not in the best condition’ to take part after playing 48 games for his club this season.

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is also missing from Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce’s squad after struggling with injury late in the season.

But, with Henderson set to play in England’s opening game against Spain on Sunday, he is eager to gain experience and improve his chances of building on the one cap he earned for the senior side against France last November.

“At Under-21 level, we feel there is a process whereby you can get passed through the ranks,” Henderson said.

“If you do well, (England manager) Fabio Capello will notice – or Stuart Pearce will tell him.”

“He goes to a lot of the games to watch us and that is important to all the players who play in the Under-21s.”