Jordan Henderson is a surprise inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad
Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad and it features an international lifeline for former Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford after a difficult end to his time at Old Trafford - and first call ups for Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle United stalwart Dan Burn.
Unsurprisingly, the England squad also features a favourite from Tuchel’s time at Stamford Bridge in Chelsea skipper Reece James, while there is also a call-up for AC Milan’s Kyle Walker after a disappointing end to his trophy-laden period as a Manchester City player.
However, the most eyebrowing raising decision, and the one that has got almost everyone talking, is the return of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson for the first time in 473 days following an ill-fated stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq and a return to Europe with Dutch heavyweights Ajax.
But why has Tuchel decided to call-up Henderson after his long international hiatus and does the 81 cap international still have something to give?
Why has Jordan Henderson been recalled by England?
At the peak of his powers, Jordan Henderson was a stalwart in Gareth Southgate’s side and while he wasn’t as easy on the eye in terms of technical ability as some of the more offensive players in the team, he knew his role and offered the Three Lions a sense of defensive stability, leadership and grit in midfield which can go a long way in major tournaments.
However, that was Henderson in his prime during his time at Liverpool, where he racked up 492 appearances and won the Premier League, Champions League, two League Cups and an FA Cup - rather than the current version of Henderson which has been nowhere near those same heights since leaving Anfield two summers ago.
Since leaving Liverpool, Henderson has only made three appearances for the Three Lions and his last inclusion in the England squad was largely overshadowed by his controversial decision to move to Saudi Arabia after previously slamming the Middle East’s human rights record.
“It’s horrendous really when you look at some of the issues that are currently happening and have been happening over there. As a team we’re just sort of digesting that, coming up with ideas of what we want to do going forward because it’s an opportunity to maybe shine a light on the issues and use our platforms to make change for the better.” Said Henderson ahead of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
However, less than a year later, he backtracked by saying, via the Athletic: “We can all bury our heads in the sand and criticise different cultures and different countries from afar. But then nothing is going to happen. Nothing is going to change. Having someone with those views and values in Saudi Arabia is only a positive thing."
Henderson largely struggled for form in Saudi Arabia, and in a bid to get back into the England setup ahead of Euro 2024, made the shock decision to leave the Middle East to join Ajax after mutually terminating his contract.
He made just 12 appearances in his first six months at Ajax and failed to make Southgate’s final squad. This season, however, he has racked up 38 appearances across all competitions for a team that are now league leaders in the Eredevisie after a shaky campaign last year, but he has only managed to start two of the last nine games.
Tuchel explaining the decision, via Mail Sportsaid: 'I think his career and the way he plays now and imposes himself at Ajax is just so impressive. He builds on character, personality and energy that he brings to the team.
“For me, Jordan is a similar call-up for the same reasons as Dan Burn. They carry these values on their shoulders and they carry their teams. It’s absolutely reliable what they bring in terms of energy and this is where the focus is also for us to build a strong team and a cohesive team. Jordan is a big piece in that puzzle for us.”
Why calling up Jordan Henderson makes no sense
While it is clear to see why Tuchel has given Henderson a lifeline on the international stage (leadership and character) it seems a strange decision to recall him, given the calibre of players that he has been picked ahead of. At this moment in time, the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson - two young hungry players with a point to prove are pulling the strings for a Nottingham Forest side chasing Champions League football.
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There’s also a star like Ethan Nweneri, who has emerged as an increasingly important part of the Arsenal team in recent months, who has a bright future ahead of him and even a more defensive minded midfielder in Adam Wharton who has been pivotal to Crystal Palace’s recent resurgence since returning from injury.
Even if Tuchel wanted to prioritise leadership and a player of a similar ilk to Henderson in terms of defensive quality, aggression and strong character in the dressing room, he could have easily gone with Connor Gallagher, who is nearly a decade younger than Henderson, a regular for a stronger club than Ajax in Atletico Madrid and one that has showcased his quality at Champions League level for Diego Simeone’s side.
After Southgate became a divisive figure among England fans - despite taking the side from rock bottom to two major tournament finals - it was vital that Tuchel got off to a smooth smart with the Three Lions faithful. Henderson’s selection will undoubtedly dominate the discourse ahead of England’s upcoming friendlies, adding needless drama in a pivotal time of rejuvenation for the men’s national team.
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Related topics:Jordan HendersonMarcus RashfordReece James
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