Jordan Henderson has admitted that any criticism aimed at him is driving him on to be a better player for Liverpool and England.

The 21-year-old struggled during his first season for Liverpool after a £20m move from Sunderland but still managed to make England's Euro 2012 squad after an injury to Frank Lampard.

Henderson's inclusion was widely criticised by fans and he was also singled out by Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton on Twitter, but he is determined to prove his quality at the highest level.

The midfielder said: "Maybe at the start of the season, I needed to deal with the increased scrutiny that comes with playing for Liverpool better. But I wouldn't want it any other way now.

"People criticising gives you incentive to prove them wrong. I think more about what the manager at Liverpool and my teammates think or the manager and the England players."

Henderson made a substitute appearance during England's draw with France on Monday.