Henderson: Time to step up for England
Now an established member of the England set-up, Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is relishing the additional responsibility that awaits him on the international scene.
Though the Three Lions suffered the disappointment of a group-stage exit at the World Cup this summer, the Reds' No.14 boosted his experience at another major tournament.
Since then, both club colleague Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have called time on their service to the country - making Henderson a more senior name in Roy Hodgson's latest squad.
"It is a little strange not having Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard around, but it's a chance for the younger players to step up," he said today.
"It's now up to the younger players to step up to the plate. I feel as though I'm starting to become one of the older members of the squad and with that comes more responsibility.
"The new players who are coming in are young, but it doesn't matter how old you are. They'll do well and will look forward to it."
England host Norway in a friendly on Wednesday evening before travelling to Switzerland next Monday for their opening Euro 2016 qualifier.
Henderson believes the initial group fixtures will be vital to the campaign ahead but is confident that the pressure can prove an incentive for Hodgson's group.
He added: "The only way we can answer the critics is by going and giving good performances. Hopefully we can show how good we are.
"We're looking forward now and these first few games are crucial. We'll pull the shirt on and do our best, as we always do.
"Both Liverpool and England expect to get good results when we play, but we like pressure and we'll relish that and look forward."