‘He would make my face’ – ex-England international Dean Ashton jokes he ‘wouldn’t like’ to play alongside Liverpool star Jordan Henderson, but praises his leadership after the Three Lions Cup win world v wales

Dean Ashton joked that Jordan Henderson’s constant screaming would make his face and he ‘wouldn’t enjoy’ playing alongside him.

The former England international praised the Liverpool midfielder for his leadership and passion on the pitch – but admitted it wasn’t all to his taste.

Ashton, who is part of talkSPORT’s commentary team in Qatar, watched the Three Lions’ 3-0 win over Wales from inside the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.

And the former West Ham striker commented on how the 32-year-old, who replaced Mason Mount in the line-up, was on Phil Foden’s ear throughout the clash.

Speaking at the Sports Breakfast, Laura Woods asked Ashton how important Henderson is to England and whether he would start him against Senegal in Sunday’s Round of 16.

To which Ashton joked: “It would piss me off to play with him!”

Reflecting on his display against Wales, Ashton continued: “We had great places and we were right there, and he was shouting at Phil Foden sometimes – both good and bad.

“But if he didn’t shut down enough, he would yell at him. When it closed it was so loud, it was like ‘OK, I’m doing it!’

“But I guess that’s what he brings, he brings that intensity, he brings that level of competitiveness all the time.

“I think sometimes we can miss that with that slowness, he’s the one trying to lift everybody up to get them going.

“I probably wouldn’t like to play with him because of that, but it’s great to watch.

“And I like to see it from an England player, he has this real passion that he doesn’t want to settle, he doesn’t like that tempo.”

England icon Stuart Pearce also praised Henderson’s attitude as he insisted every team needs a player like him.

He told talkSPORT: “The starting point of the unit is Jordan Henderson.

“I had him as captain at Under-21 level, he plays a huge role in unity with that group of people. You can see that from the outside.

“I’ve seen it for a number of years now, the manager has galvanized it and the players have bought into it and driven it. They seem to really enjoy each other’s company.

“He goes on and gets us over the line. When he came into the game against the United States, we were flat like a pancake.

“We are not aware of what is happening on the training ground and around camp and how he runs it and at his club, but I tell you what he does as much as Gareth Southgate, make no mistake about it. not.

“He played his role today, he probably had more influence on the game than Jude Bellingham. But we want Jude Bellingham in the team because we think there is an improvement.

“You need a Jordan Henderson in every football team in the world, I tell you.”