Jordan Henderson's recent call-up to the England national team has sparked considerable discussion, particularly due to his tumultuous journey over the past year. After a controversial exit from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia's Al Ettifaq, where he only stayed for six months, Henderson has returned to European football with Ajax and is now being relied upon in the national set-up by new manager Thomas Tuchel.
It was nearly a year since Henderson last pulled on an England jersey, with his last selection coming in March 2024. Since then, he has made a considerable impact at Ajax, showcasing his enduring qualities as a leader and midfielder. His recent performances have shown that he can still contribute significantly to the team, as highlighted by his 39 appearances this season.
Tuchel expressed his faith in Henderson’s abilities and leadership, stating, “Jordan is a serial winner. He is captain of Ajax. He is available and has played a lot of matches. What he brings to every team is leadership, character, personality, energy.” The England boss appreciates players like Henderson, especially during a transition period for the national side, indicating that his experience and qualities can help guide a relatively inexperienced squad.
Henderson's financial journey also reflects his notable career. Having built his reputation at Liverpool — where he earned approximately £190,000 a week — there were claims he grossly exaggerated his earnings at Al Ettifaq, where he was reportedly making £700,000 a week; a figure he has publicly disputed. Instead, he confirmed to the Athletic that he found his new contract at Ajax to be significantly less lucrative, earning around £74,000 a week (£3.86 million per year).
Your understanding of Henderson extends beyond his financial details; he has been rooted in a family-rich background, marrying childhood sweetheart Rebecca Burnett in 2014, with whom he shares three children. The tight-knit family often stays away from public life, though Rebecca is a familiar face at matches supporting her husband.
Despite his recent difficulties in the media due to his Saudi Arabian move, Henderson appears to be focused on revitalizing his career through strong performances in the Eredivisie. Tuchel has expressed that Henderson embodies the values the national team aims to promote as it gears up for World Cup qualifiers, initiating with a match against Albania on March 22, 2025.
In a broader context, Henderson’s selection has not only stirred excitement among teammates but has also elicited criticism. Some view the decision as reflecting a lack of vision from Tuchel, particularly given Henderson's absence from the international stage for an extended period. Others argue that his veteran experience provides a stabilizing influence amid the young squad.
Henderson’s career has seemingly circled back to the international spotlight, with remarks from his Ajax coach Francesco Farioli highlighting the emotional impact of his recall. “It was amazing. It was the morning before the match… and of course it was really emotional,” remarked Farioli, reinforcing Henderson’s standing as both a player and a leader.
As he prepares for his first game back, the 34-year-old midfielder's seasoned presence could become pivotal during a critical juncture of England's campaign, especially as they aim to secure a spot in the World Cup. With Tuchel utilizing experienced players like Henderson, alongside emerging talents, the squad appears well-positioned for both immediate results and long-term development. Henderson himself remains determined to prove that despite recent setbacks, he can still perform effectively at the highest levels.
In the subsequent game against Latvia on March 24, 2025, Henderson will likely get another chance to display not just his history of success but his current form, as England looks to build momentum in their World Cup qualifying journey.
Overall, the decision to include Jordan Henderson in Thomas Tuchel's England squad seems to blend an appreciation of his past accomplishments with a belief in his present capabilities, marking a significant chapter in his ongoing football journey.
