Jordan Pickford has applauded the recall of Jordan Henderson to the England national football team, describing it as a “great move” that infuses the squad with a winning mentality. Henderson’s return, following his tenure at Ajax, is seen as pivotal for the team as they prepare for future competitions, including the 2026 World Cup, and will enhance leadership dynamics within the squad.
Jordan Pickford has praised Jordan Henderson’s recall to the England national football team, deeming it a “great move” that will enhance the squad’s winning mentality. Henderson, who plays for Ajax, is making his return after nearly a year away from the team, having last been called up in November 2023. His impressive tenure, which began in 2010 under Fabio Capello, continues to impact the team under new manager Thomas Tuchel, who labeled Henderson as embodying the ethos the squad aspires to achieve.
Having shared early career experiences at Sunderland with Henderson, Pickford believes that his presence, alongside that of Newcastle defender Dan Burn, will fortify the team’s resolve as they aim for success in the 2026 World Cup. Pickford remarked on England’s near successes in past tournaments, asserting, “We’ve been knocking on the door for a while now. We’ve been to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter final.”
With his valuable experience and accolades, Henderson brings leadership qualities that will inspire teammates and enhance training standards. Pickford noted, “To have those leaders around the place, the more leaders you have in the team I think the more success they will bring.”
Thomas Tuchel emphasized Henderson’s significant impact on the squad, remarking, “He embodies everything… he’s a serial winner, his personality, character. He is the glue in every team where he played, and he will be the glue that makes things special.” Since joining Ajax, Henderson has contributed to the team’s success this season, helping them maintain a lead in the Eredivisie standings.
Pickford reflected on Henderson’s previous role as vice-captain, underscoring his importance within the squad. He stated, “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.”
Despite England’s previous near-championship experiences, Pickford suggested it remains uncertain whether Henderson might have made a difference in their Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. He concluded, “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… so I think it’s only a good thing.”
The article highlights Jordan Pickford’s endorsement of Jordan Henderson’s recall to the England national team. With a wealth of experience and a proven winning mentality, Henderson’s presence is expected to uplift the squad as they aim for future triumphs, especially with the upcoming 2026 World Cup in mind. Leaders like Henderson are seen as crucial for fostering competitive training environments and enhancing team dynamics, reinforcing the belief that strong leadership is integral to achieving success.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
