Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, started in midfield for England as they beat Wales 3-0 to progress into the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup.
The 32-year-old partnered West Ham United’s Declan Rice and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham in midfield, both have been linked strongly to a possible move to Anfield as the Reds continue to look for reinforcements in the midfield positions.
Henderson put in a decent performance against a fairly poor Wales side, keeping the ball moving in a game where two goals from Marcus Rashford and one from Phil Foden were enough to secure the three points.
Being included in the starting lineup ahead of the likes of Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Kalvin Phillips and James Maddison proves the faith that Gareth Southgate has in the Liverpool skipper despite being considered by many as “too old”.
A key point to be acknowledged is that when Harry Kane was substituted in the 58th minute, it was in fact Henderson who took the captain’s armband.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also made his first World Cup appearance and put in a solid performance, replacing Kyle Walker with half an hour to go.
Former Liverpool players, Joe Allen, Neco Williams, Harry Wilson and Danny Ward were all involved for Wales, although the latter had a nightmare and arguably should’ve done better with all three of England’s goals.
The victory means the Three Lions finish top of Group B, with USA also progressing in second place after their 1-0 win against Iran.
Iran finished in third place, while Wales went crashing out in fourth place without a single win and their only goal being a Gareth Bale penalty in a 1-1 draw with USA.
England will face Senegal, who finished second behind the Netherlands in Group A, in the last 16 in the 7pm kick off on Sunday.