Henderson to lead England against Spain in Rooney's absence, reveals Southgate

Henderson to lead England against Spain in Rooney's absence, reveals Southgate

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England's interim boss Gareth Southgate has said that the participation of captain Wayne Rooney in Tuesday's friendly against Spain is in doubt due to an injury scare. Liverpool's Jordan Henderson is set to lead England in Rooney's absence at Wembley. 

After Tottenham forward Harry Kane pulled out of the England squad on Sunday due to fitness issues, the Three Lions will not have captain Wayne Rooney's name on the team sheet when they host Spain in a friendly on Tuesday at Wembley.

“Both [Rooney and Bertrand] are being assessed for minor issues this morning and we will have a look at them as the day goes on," Interim manager Gareth Southgate told reporters on Monday.

"I don't know if they will play as yet. I think we'll have to assess that a bit later. They obviously weren't ready to train today so they must be doubts but, until we have a closer look later, we won't be sure.”

"I wouldn't start Wayne in this game anyway so we will decide on which route we will be going,” Southgate added.

While declaring Jordan Henderson as the captain for Tuesday's match, the 46-year old felt that the team has many leaders to shoulder responsibility.

"Jordan Henderson will be captain. We have got several leaders and Jordan is one who has shown great responsibility since I've been in the role. We can't just have one captain. We have players to share responsibility and Jordan has shown he can do that.

"Everybody else has trained this morning so we are good to go, " he added. 

The FA is set to elect its full-time manager after the Spain friendly, but Southgate is favorite to be named Sam Allardyce's full-time successor.

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