Sunderland's Jordan Henderson nominated for 2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, England cricketer Stuart Broad, record-breaking jockey Hollie Doyle and snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan have also made the shortlist.

The BBC is staggering the announcements of the six sportspeople up for the main honour at a show at Media City in Salford on December 20, where the Liverpool captain will be among the contenders.

Sunderland-born Henderson was announced as the third nominee on the Radio 1Xtra Yasmin Evans show by Joe Wicks – after Hamilton and Broad were announced earlier in the day.

The former Sunderland AFC midfielder led the Reds to their first top-flight title in 30 years last season, winning the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award in the process for his tireless performances.

The final two hopefuls will be revealed throughout Tuesday on the BBC’s various platforms.

Reacting to the nomination, England Football Team posted on social media: “Congratulations to Three Lions midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has been named on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.”

Henderson was born in Sunderland and honed his skills in the city’s West Park. Now captain of current Premier League Champions, the 30-year-old came through the Black Cats’ youth academy before making his Premier League debut for the Wearsiders in 2008.

A Sunderland lad at heart, Henderson has recently helped buy wheelchair for inspiring little girl Rubie O’Brien who has spina bifida.

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