Team News: Jordan Henderson to captain England against Malta

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has been picked by Gareth Southgate to captain England in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Malta.

Previous Three Lions skipper Wayne Rooney announced his decision to retire from international duty last month, prompting Southgate to confirm that the armband will be shared among the players.

Longtime England number one Joe Hart also retains his spot in goal for his nation, despite conceding 10 goals in three games with new club West Ham United.

Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Phil Jones makes his first competitive start since October 2015, while new Liverpool signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also starts.

As for Malta, they welcome Jean Paul Farrugia back into the fold after he served a suspension in the last match.

Alfred Effiong is not available tonight due to a ban of his own, though, and in all manager Pietro Ghedin has made three changes from the side that lost to Slovenia last time out.

Joseph Zerafa, Sam Magri and Farrugia all come into the side, while Alex Muscat, Clayton Failla and Effiong drop out.

Malta starting XI: Hogg, Steve Borg, Zach Muscat, Agius, Magri, Zerafa, Pisani, Kristensen, Ryan Fenech, Farrugia, Schembri Subs: Bonello, Alex Muscat, Failla, Paul Fenech, Mifsud, Gambin, Clyde Borg, Camilleri, Johnson

England starting XI: Hart, Walker, Cahill, Jones, Bertrand, Livermore, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling, Alli, Kane Subs: Butland, Heaton, Smalling, Cresswell, Keane, Stones, Chalobah, Defoe, Sturridge, Welbeck, Vardy, Rashford

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