I'm alright, Jack! Henderson ready to put body on the line for U21s in absence of Wilshere
By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 11:57 EDT, 24 May 2011
Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson will have no qualms about putting his body to the test during England's European Under 21 Championship campaign this summer.
The 20-year-old was named in Stuart Pearce's final squad of 23 for the tournament in Denmark next month, unlike Arsenal counterpart Jack Wilshere, who had earlier expressed his concerns, and those of his club manager Arsene Wenger, on the potential after-affects.
Henderson told Sunderland's official website: 'I just love playing football, so as long as I can keep playing games, I'm happy.
In and out: Jordan Henderson (left) and Jack Wilshere (right)
'If I get the chance to play in Denmark, it would be fantastic. I will probably get a little bit of time off afterwards, but then it's straight back into pre-season.'
Wilshere will instead join up with the senior squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on June 4 and then have the break Wenger believes he needs.
Henderson started 38 of his club's 41 games in the recently-completed season and made a further appearance as a substitute, and he was also capped at senior international for the first time against France in November.
Showing heart: Henderson is preparing for a busy summer in Denmark
However, he is relishing the extension to his campaign. He said: 'It's a great tournament - a very important one - and everyone who is involved is delighted to be going.
'Representing my country is always an honour and hopefully we can put in some good performances over there.'
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Jordan Henderson ready for England Under 21s in absence of Jack Wilshere
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