Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has leapt to the defence of under-fire England captain Wayne Rooney, who is once again in the spotlight following Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Malta.

Despite losing his spot in the Manchester United team in recent weeks, Rooney was selected in the England XI against Malta as the Three Lions recorded a 2-0 victory in Gareth Southgate's first game in charge.

Rooney was roundly booed at Wembley, but Henderson has insisted that the skipper, who has also been defended by Southgate, will not allow the criticism to harm him.

"Wayne's experienced enough to know he has to concentrate on his football. I think he's had criticism for most of his career, like many players have," Henderson told reporters.

"He deals with it very well. He's our captain and our leader. He's a fantastic player for Manchester United and England. I didn't really hear any boos, but we have to deal with it as professional footballers. There is going to be criticism along the way."

England will continue their World Cup qualification campaign away to Slovenia on Tuesday night.