Jordan Henderson: 'We must lift game again for Swiss'

Thursday 04 Sep 2014
Jordan Henderson clocked up his 14th appearance against Norway

Jordan Henderson says he is happy with victory over Norway but believes England must "lift their game again" ahead of the opening Euro 2016 qualifier.

Wayne Rooney's second half penalty was the difference in a game at Wembley that the Liverpool man feels the Three Lions dominated.

And while they came out in the second half a little slowly, which allowed the Norwegians a couple of chances, Henderson says the win gives them confidence ahead of Monday's visit to Switzerland. 

England 1-0 Norway

International Match
Wednesday 3 September 2014
Wembley Stadium connected by EE

"It was really important to win the game, first and foremost, so we're pleased with that," Henderson told TheFA.com shortly after the game. 

"Obviously to keep a clean sheet was good as well, because we've been working on that in training in the week. 

"On the negative side, I think we could start better in the second half, start sharper, so we'll look at that and see how we can improve that. 

"But overall I felt we dominated the game. Norway made it difficult for us at times, but we dominated from start to finish and deserved the win."

He added: "It's all about concentration when you've got so much of the ball. When we're attacking, we have to make sure we are set up in case we get counter-attacked, so plenty of communication has to go on.

"I thought for most of the game we were good at that but for that period at the start of the second half we need to improve, especially when we play Switzerland on Monday.

"We're very confident, we'll analyse the game and look at what we can improve on and what we did well. But we need to lift our game again as Switzerland will be a difficult game."

Jordan Henderson speaks to FATV

The 24-year-old midfielder was making his 14th appearance for the Three Lions and featured for the full 90 minutes at Wembley.

His Liverpool team-mate Raheem Sterling, who has started the season at club level with two goals in three games, was once again in sparkling form. 

Sterling received rave reviews for his performances at the World Cup - especially considering his tender age of just 19 - and it was his run that drew the penalty from which Rooney scored. 

"Raheem is brilliant - he's brought his club form into international football and he's just shown how confident he looks on the ball, did well for the penalty and looked sharp and bright all night."

Raheem Sterling

Sterling was man of the match against Norway

And Henderson also had a word for his central midfield partner Jack Wilshere, who also shone for Roy Hodgson's men, while Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph came on in the second half for his senior debut.

"I think it was important for me and Jack to make sure we were solid and work as a pair," said Henderson. "I felt as though I was maybe sitting and he was driving with the ball, playing his one-twos, which he is very good at. First half especially, he was outstanding.

"Fab has done very well for Aston Villa and deserves to be here. When he came on he added energy, getting about people, winning the ball back, and he'll be delighted with his debut and hopefully he can get many more."
By Jamie Bradbury FA Editor at Wembley Stadium