England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has vigorously defended Thomas Tuchel’s first controversial decision as manager. Ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Albania and Latvia, Tuchel opted to recall Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson for the first time since November 2023.
The 34-year-old is playing in the Netherlands after an ill-fated spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq. His international career appeared over when he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024, and was also overlooked by Lee Carsley during his interim period in charge. However, Pickford has backed the call to bring back the former Liverpool captain, who can add to his 81 caps when the Three Lions host Albania on Friday.
“I think bringing Hendo back in is great for the squad,” said the Everton star. “He has got that winning mentality, what he has won at Liverpool as a player and a captain.”
The pair were both part of Southgate’s squads that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. And Pickford also praised Henderson’s leadership qualities, arguing he will “drive standards” up as England bid to finally end their major international trophy drought.
"His desire to want to win and what he has won and achieved is driven by himself," he added. "He's a winner and a big leader. He was vice-captain for numerous years.
"Having leaders in your group, the teams that have won have always had that experience in the side as well. I think it's a great move for us to have someone like him in the squad. What he has done, how he is still driven - whether he plays or not he is going to be the leader on the training pitch.”
The 31-year-old also touched on Henderson’s absence from Germany last summer but refused to dwell on whether the veteran would have made a difference in the final defeat to Spain. "Jords is a great lad and respected by all the players and the staff,” he added.
"I don't think we will ever know if he was a miss as we got to the final. This manager has brought Hendo in, and I know how much of a leader he is and how respected he is, so I think it's only a good thing."