Darren Anderton is at the World Cup, and the former Tottenham midfielder has been sharing his thoughts on Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad decisions, including Jordan Henderson's inclusion
13:26, 16 Jun 2026
Jordan Henderson is part of England's World Cup squad
Jordan Henderson is part of England's World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)
Former England player Darren Anderton has expressed bewilderment over Jordan Henderson's inclusion in the World Cup squad.
He questioned England head coach Thomas Tuchel's judgment, saying he'd be "pretty p----- off" if he were Cole Palmer or Harry Maguire. Both stars were overlooked for selection, alongside Morgan Gibbs-White and Phil Foden, among other high-profile players.
Henderson and England kick off their tournament against Luka Modric's Croatia on Wednesday. Chelsea star Palmer's omission particularly surprised many, despite an underwhelming, injury-disrupted spell at Chelsea. Former Liverpool vice captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, who moved to Real Madrid a year ago, also missed out on the squad.
Henderson, who celebrates his 36th birthday on Wednesday, has remained a regular pick under Tuchel and contributed to Brentford's ninth-place Premier League finish.
Yet Tottenham icon Anderton, based in California, empathized with those who didn't make the cut and made his feelings about Tuchel's choice abundantly clear.
"If I wasn't going to the World Cup because he's 'good around the camp,' I'd be pretty p----- off," he told the Daily Mail.
Henderson is expected to be a squad player in North America
Henderson is expected to be a squad player in North America(Image: Getty Images)
Before his move to Brentford last summer, Henderson had spent two relatively modest seasons with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and Ajax.
Nevertheless, he made his Premier League return last year after Brentford manager Keith Andrews identified him as a valuable signing. Anderton isn't entirely pessimistic though, maintaining confidence in England's overall prospects.
Especially regarding captain Harry Kane, provided his teammates deliver sufficient backing. "We have a really good chance," he continued.
"Harry is obviously just ridiculous. I hope that we play some expansive, entertaining football that means that we see the best of Harry. The last two tournaments we haven't... the service has been nil."
Anderton, who represented England 30 times, will be in Arlington for the Three Lions' opening fixture against Croatia on Wednesday. Nearly three decades after his own World Cup campaign, he's eager to witness something special against a side that has reached the latter stages of the previous two tournaments.
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Tuchel's team selection for the tournament opener is attracting considerable attention. Questions surround not only Henderson's inclusion but also whether Jude Bellingham will feature ahead of the in-form Morgan Rogers.
Anthony Gordon's battle for a starting berth on the left flank underlines the depth of quality available to England. It's further evidence that Tuchel has the tools to challenge for the nation's first major trophy in six decades.
That said, it won't be any easier for those watching from home.