Pundit defends Henderson, slamming Everton man down a peg over England penalty
Danny Murphy insists that Dominic Calvert-Lewin should “understand” what his role in England’s Euro 2020 squad is, after Sunday’s penalty row.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said after the 1-0 win over Romania that he expected Everton striker Calvert-Lewin to take the second penalty of the evening. However, Liverpool midfielder Henderson, who came on at half time and became captain, took the ball and missed.
The failure sparked debate during ITV‘s coverage of the Euro 2020 warm-up clash.
Roy Keane questioned whether Henderson should be in the squad at all; his 45 minutes against Romania were his first since February.
Ian Wright, meanwhile, insisted that the 30-year-old’s leadership is vital to the youthful England team.
Speaking to talkSPORT (via Twitter), Murphy took aim at Calvert-Lewin, claiming that Henderson was right to step up as captain.
“I don’t mind that [Henderson taking the ball],” the pundit said. “I couldn’t care less really in a friendly.
“The two penalty takers were off. He’s the captain. He decided I want to take it. He flexed his muscles ‘I am the captain and I am going to take it’. Fine. No problem with that.
“You have got to be careful. You have a place in the squad and you have to understand what your place is.”
Murphy then picked out Calvert-Lewin’s body language, adding that the Toffees marksman should be “thankful” he got selected.
Murphy slams Calvert-Lewin
“Calvert-Lewin if you see the penalty. When Jordan took the penalty, Calvert-Lewin has got his hands on his hips,” the pundit said.
“He doesn’t go for the rebound because he’s sulking because he didn’t take it.
“He has had a wonderful season but he should be thankful that he is there. He didn’t have a great end to the season. You don’t spit your dummy out because your captain is taking the penalty.”
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After two 1-0 wins in warm-up matches, England face Croatia in their Group C opener on Sunday.
READ MORE: Southgate hits back after Keane asks whether Henderson ‘does card tricks’
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