Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson makes a surprise return to the England national team after being dropped before Euro 2024. Selected for the squad, he stands as a vital leader according to Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel. Henderson’s return marks a pivotal step towards the 2026 World Cup, with upcoming qualifying matches against Albania and Latvia.
Jordan Henderson, the former captain of Liverpool, is set to make a surprise return to the England national football team. His last appearance for the squad occurred in November 2023, after which he was omitted by Gareth Southgate ahead of the Euro 2024 tournament. Henderson boasts an impressive record of 80 senior caps and was chosen for this squad over several notable young talents, including Conor Gallagher, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Angel Gomes.
In his comments regarding Henderson’s selection, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel emphasized Henderson’s value to the team. “Jordan is a similar call-up for the same reasons as Dan Burn,” Tuchel stated. He remarked on the consistent energy and leadership Henderson brings, calling him a crucial component in cultivating a cohesive team atmosphere.
Henderson expressed his excitement about returning to the national team via an Instagram post, where he shared the squad list and included emojis of the England flag and a heart. Tuchel also revealed that the players named in this month’s squad are being considered for the 2026 World Cup, indicating that this selection marks the first step toward that goal.
Tuchel further elaborated on the ambitions for the squad, mentioning that they aim to create a team the fans can identify with and take pride in. He noted, “Everyone who is with us on this journey and in this first camp is a contender for the World Cup.” The coach acknowledged the difficulty of making selections and pointed out the importance of this initial camp in the broader journey, which will eventually lead to the World Cup.
England’s upcoming fixtures include matches against Albania and Latvia in the World Cup qualifiers, with the first match scheduled for March 21 and the second taking place the following Monday.
In summary, Jordan Henderson’s return to the England national team signifies an important milestone following his previous omission. His leadership and character, as endorsed by Thomas Tuchel, will play a vital role in developing a strong and united team for future competitions. The upcoming matches against Albania and Latvia will serve as significant tests as the team embarks on its journey toward the 2026 World Cup.
Original Source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
