Many Liverpool fans regard the international break as an unwelcome distraction but the news from the England camp this week has been positive in a personal and professional capacity for the current Liverpool captain.
Jordan Henderson has been a big source of fan discussions at Liverpool since his arrival 5 years ago. At times he has struggled to justify his fee, never mind his appointment to the captaincy following Steven Gerrard's exit.
But his form has improved significantly this season. Many point to the effect of working with Klopp, others point to the increase in competition for his place, while yet more believe the long-held injury issues with his foot and knees have been healed.
Form
Henderson, who supplied Sturridge with an England goal in the last fixture, has been integral to Liverpool's good start to the season.
He has made more passes and touches in the Premier League than any other player this season - and by a sizeable margin. His 711 touches are almost 100 ahead of second placed Santiago Cazorla.
Having enjoyed 6 Premier League seasons with over 30 games played, last season was disrupted for Jordan - he made just 17 league appearances. All the signs point to him making a solid recovery this season - and hopefully beating his record 6 goals in 2014-15.
England captaincy
With the declining form of Wayne Rooney, Jordan Henderson has been chosen to wear the captain's armband for England in their next World Cup qualifier.
Rooney remains 'the captain' but from the bench and going forward it is difficult to see a major England resurgence for Rooney. Players like Alli, Kane and Sturridge all providing more specialised alternatives in their positions.
England's official vice-captain Gary Cahill appears to have been overlooked for the armband - suggesting that in the medium term Henderson could be both Liverpool and England captain - following in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard.
Caretaker England boss Gareth Southgate said this about Jordan:
"What stood out for me is that he has taken over as captain at a club where he has succeeded one of the most iconic players in English footballers of all time,"
"That would have been a difficult challenge for him. He has matured from that. He has shown great leadership skills with his club. He is used to being captain which is important.
"He has a voice and an opinion within this group. He has his clear ideas of what we need to work on. A good tactical understanding.
"Again, it was not an easy decision because there are other senior players in that dressing room, but he has captained a big football club and is used to that responsibility so it is the right decision for me."
Wayne Rooney had this to say about his replacement for the next game.
"He's took an incredibly difficult job from Steven Gerrard and he's really grown into that position. He's a fantastic player with great leadership qualities.
"He deserves his chance to captain England. I'm sure for him a really proud moment and his family."
England take on Slovenia tonight.
Jordan handerson proves to be agood leader and acommited savant,both to his club LFC and England God incriese him. Amugwarata. A kenyan LFC fun.
Been an excellent start to the season from Hendo. Wijnaldum is a step up in class from Allen and Lucas so that’s helping him push on.
He’s got Emre Can on the bench ready to get back in the team as well – not to mention the possibility that Grujic could come in and do a job. Some proper midfield competition now at Anfield – how it should be.