ABOVE: Liverpool's Jordan Henderson
I always think going to big championships like that is great for their learning
Brendam Rodgers
ENGLAND’S Under-21 stars have been told to use the European Championship in Israel to shine like Juan Mata.
The Chelsea star grabbed most of the headlines as Spain lifted the trophy two years ago.
It was actually a demotion for Mata, having been part of the senior squad that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
And Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has told four of his young Lions to grab their opportunity this summer with both hands – just like Mata did.
Reds quartet Jordan Henderson, Jonjo Shelvey, Andre Wisdom and Jack Robinson have all been named in Stuart Pearce’s 23-man squad for next month’s tournament.
Rodgers said: “I always think going to big championships like that is great for their learning.
“All these football experiences are good for them. I’m not one who is against players representing their countries.
“Look at someone like Juan Mata.
“Two years ago he dropped down from the senior Spain squad to the Under-21s and helped them to win the tournament.
“A year later he was part of the team who won Euro 2012 and then last summer he went off to the Olympics.
“The major tournaments can be really beneficial in terms of helping players in their development.”
Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has missed out on the Euros due to a thigh injury.
And Rodgers insists it is best for the 18-year-old not to play through the pain barrier over the summer.
“Everyone was in agreement that we need to look after the long-term situation with Raheem,” the Reds boss added.
“He’s obviously had a chronic problem where he’s been playing and working through it. But we needed to give him recovery and rest.”
It was actually a demotion for Mata, having been part of the senior squad that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
And Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has told four of his young Lions to grab their opportunity this summer with both hands – just like Mata did.
Reds quartet Jordan Henderson, Jonjo Shelvey, Andre Wisdom and Jack Robinson have all been named in Stuart Pearce’s 23-man squad for next month’s tournament.
Rodgers said: “I always think going to big championships like that is great for their learning.
“All these football experiences are good for them. I’m not one who is against players representing their countries.
“Look at someone like Juan Mata.
“Two years ago he dropped down from the senior Spain squad to the Under-21s and helped them to win the tournament.
“A year later he was part of the team who won Euro 2012 and then last summer he went off to the Olympics.
“The major tournaments can be really beneficial in terms of helping players in their development.”
Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has missed out on the Euros due to a thigh injury.
And Rodgers insists it is best for the 18-year-old not to play through the pain barrier over the summer.
“Everyone was in agreement that we need to look after the long-term situation with Raheem,” the Reds boss added.
“He’s obviously had a chronic problem where he’s been playing and working through it. But we needed to give him recovery and rest.”
No comments:
Post a Comment