'I am ready if needed' - Henderson prepared for England start

The Liverpool midfielder's inclusion in Roy Hodgson's squad has been heavily criticised but he has claimed that if the manager selects him he is primed to play for his country

Jordan Henderson has declared that he is ready to play if called upon for England, brushing off the criticism he has faced since being included in the Three Lions' Euro 2012 squad.

Roy Hodgson has voiced concerns about the energy levels of ageing midfield duo Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker and this may present an opportunity for the Liverpool midfielder to prove his doubters wrong.

That was the case during England's 1-1 draw with France, with Henderson brought on during the closing stages of the Group D fixture as a replacement for the tiring Parker.

"I will be ready if I am needed," Henderson told reporters.

"Steve [Gerrard] and Scotty [Parker] did very well in there, I think they're both fit enough to last the full game but I was delighted to get on for the last 15 minutes.

"I had to treat it like any other game. It was another amazing experience for me."

HENDERSON ON FRANCE-ENGLAND

Jordan Henderson believes England had the better of the chances against France

Henderson was summoned to the England squad only after injuries had ruled out experienced duo Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry, but was still a controversial choice amongst many fans after a mixed debut season on Merseyside.

"There has been a lot of criticism but that is part and parcel of football - it doesn't bother me," Henderson insisted.

"There have been a few changes, but changes I was pleased with. I wanted to come away with the squad. I have been able to do that.

"The last 12 months have gone quickly, but I am delighted to be in the squad. Now I want to try and get myself in the team."

Many have pointed out that France had the better of the game against England but Henderson argues that despite Les Bleus' dominance of possession England managed to put together the better chances overall.

Henderson also admitted that there is a lot of work to be done before Friday's game against Sweden, which he sees as a stern test of England's credentials.

"France had more of the possession and a lot more shots but I think, if you go back to the game and look at the chances, we created a lot more clear-cut chances that we could have taken a little bit better," Henderson said.

"As chances came, we probably had the better ones. The build-up to Sweden hasn't been too much different.

"We have to be confident in ourselves and make sure we are doing the right things in training. Sweden are a good team, who work very hard and will make it difficult for us."