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Henderson hails 'outstanding' Sterling

Raheem Sterling has become a vital player for England and Liverpool © Getty Images

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Raheem Sterling's performances for both club and country have been hailed as "outstanding" by his Liverpool and England team-mate Jordan Henderson.

Sterling, 19, has already emerged as an integral member of the England squad as they prepare for their 2016 European qualification campaign, while he has also turned in impressive displays for Liverpool this season.

Henderson, who was in the starting XI with Sterling for England's 1-0 victory over Norway on Wednesday, believes there is no limit to his team-mate's potential.

"Raheem has been outstanding since he's come into the England first team," Henderson said. "I thought he was outstanding in both games at the World Cup. For a 19-year-old to play on the world stage like that was magnificent.

"He's really clever with his positioning. He drives forward with the ball. Hopefully he can continue improving and working hard.

"Raheem plays with no fear. He just wants to get the ball run at people and take them on."

England faced heavy criticism after they laboured to victory over Norway at a half-full Wembley. But Sterling produced another positive display to enhance his already burgeoning reputation.

Sterling's ability to play in a variety of attacking positions has led Wayne Rooney to declare the duo can form a lethal partnership for England.

And Henderson believes Sterling's versatility will benefit the national side by allowing them to use a wider range of tactics.

"I think he's brilliant in both positions," Henderson added. "When he's wide he can go in behind, come short, take players on one-v-one like he did for the penalty. That was a plus when he was wide but when he went to No 10 he got a little bit more of the ball and can drive forward with it.

"It's vital that he can play both so well. If we play different tactics he can adapt."

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