Darren Gough: Henderson is my leading man for England

IT'S the kind of debate that no doubt took place at bars and restaurants throughout the week - who would be England's best captain at Russia 2018?
England's Jordan Henderson, John Stones and goalkeeper Joe Hart. Picture: Nick Potts/PAEngland's Jordan Henderson, John Stones and goalkeeper Joe Hart. Picture: Nick Potts/PA
England's Jordan Henderson, John Stones and goalkeeper Joe Hart. Picture: Nick Potts/PA

Our very own Sports Weekend columnist Darren Gough has waded in with his opinion on who he believes would be best placed to serve their country by wearing the much-coveted armband.

In his latest weekly column for The Yorkshire Post, the former England fast bowler believes Jordan Henderson would have been a better choice to act as Gareth Southgate’s on-field lieutenant.

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It remains to be seen whether the England head coach’s appointment of Tottenham’s Harry Kane will prove to be a masterstroke, or not – although he will be leading an England squad with plenty of years ahead of itself, meaning there will be other opportunities.

England's Jordan Henderson (left) and manager Gareth Southgate during a training session at St George's Park. Picture: Mike Egerton/PAEngland's Jordan Henderson (left) and manager Gareth Southgate during a training session at St George's Park. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA
England's Jordan Henderson (left) and manager Gareth Southgate during a training session at St George's Park. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

On Southgate’s chouce of captain, Gough said: “I do not mind Kane being captain, but, personally, I do look at Henderson and also see him as a guaranteed starter and he would have been my captain.

“He has lots of experience and is captain of his club side who play brilliant football and is a big part of it. He controls the pace and can sees all the game. For me, I would have liked Kane to concentrate on scoring all the goals.”

Gough goes on to assess England’s chances in Russia and believes a swift reality check has to be undertaken following the announcment of other team squads in recent days.

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“Reality has also really set in for me when you look at some of the other squads selected for the World Cup and some of the players who have missed out on selection,” added Gough. “They would walk into the England squad.”

**** Read Darren Gough’s complete and exclusive Sports Weekend column in The Yorkshire Post today ****