Jordan Henderson has spoken of the "great honour" he feels at captaining the England Under-21 side.

The Liverpool midfielder will skipper the national side at this summer's Under-21 championship in Israel and the former Sunderland youngster has revealed his pride at being given the captain's armband.

"It is a great honour to captain the country - at any level it is a real privilege," Henderson told reporters.

"I have been working hard over this past season on a few things. I have worked with the manager (Stuart Pearce) and stuff at my club and fortunately I have managed to work on the things he wanted me to improve on.

"I am feeling very confident going into the tournament, like I was two years ago. I don't think there is much difference, to be honest. I was confident then and I am confident going into it now."

Henderson will lead the side out against Italy in their group opener this evening.