Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has stood in defence of England players Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling.

Sterling found himself under heavy criticism from fans and media although he helped Three Lions beat Sweden in the quarter-finals, while Henderson's displays in Russia have proved his critics wrong.

And Rodgers knows both players' qualities very well, having managed them during his time as a Liverpool coach.

"There is a reason every manager they work with picks them," said Rodgers.

"I had a close relationship with Raheem at Liverpool and he is not judged on his performance, for some reason. This boy is fantastic. He is a top class player and knows the areas where he needs to improve – you can see how much he has over the last few years. His pace, personality and quality is massive for England. I know football is about opinion, but what these boys are bringing to England is great talent and energy.

"What is so encouraging is there is no ego in this England squad. A lot of guys have come through the lower levels and had to do the dirty work. Jordan was the same. Any successful team needs spirit. It has not been a World Cup of iconic individuals, it has been a World Cup where team spirit has dominated. Jordan Henderson typifies that."