Jordan Henderson admits he is a firm fan of Italy midfielder Marco Verratti and aware of the need to shut down the pass-master tomorrow evening when England take on the Azzurri in a friendly in Turin.
England lost to Italy at the World Cup last summer, the result forming part of a poor campaign which saw the Three Lions exit at the group stage in Brazil.
Roy Hodgson's men are aiming for a measure of revenge in Turin on Tuesday night, but Henderson is wary of the threat posed by Verratti, a player he rates highly.
"I've seen him a few times and played against him and he's a very good player", Henderson told the FA, speaking about Verratti.
"He presses the ball well, wins the ball back, breaks up attacks for the team and is good on the ball as well, so he's an important player for them.
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"You have to challenge yourself against top players and he certainly is one", Henderson added.
The Liverpool vice-captain will be bidding to help England continue their good run since the World Cup when they play the Italians.
Since their dismal showing in Brazil, England have won all seven of the games they have played, the latest being a 4-0 thrashing of Lithuania on Friday evening in a Euro 2016 qualifier.
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