Jordan Pickford, England's goalkeeper, is optimistic about the return of Jordan Henderson to the national team under new manager Thomas Tuchel. Henderson's recall, marking his first appearance in the squad since being dropped ahead of the 2024 European Championships, has raised some eyebrows, especially given his underwhelming recent experience at Ajax, where he managed only two starts in nine matches.
The 34-year-old Henderson's inclusion in Tuchel's inaugural England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia caught many off guard, especially since he hadn’t represented his country since November 2023. However, Pickford is convinced that Henderson’s experience will only strengthen the Three Lions. “We have got Hendo with how many caps he has got,” Pickford remarked. “He has got that winning mentality, what he has won at Liverpool as a player and a captain.”
Indeed, Henderson has a storied career, with notable accolades including consecutive successful seasons at Liverpool, which certainly adds to his credibility as a leader within the squad. Even though his recent form was scrutinized, Pickford firmly believes that having experienced leaders like Henderson is crucial for the team. “To have those leaders around the place, the more leaders you have in the team I think the more success they will bring,” he added. Moreover, Henderson's previous role as vice-captain in 2018 provides additional context to why he is a valuable asset to the national squad.
Pickford's faith in Henderson is further reinforced through their shared history from their time at Sunderland, stating, “I’ve known him since the Sunderland days. His desire to want to win and what he has won and achieved is driven by himself. He’s a winner and a big leader.” This camaraderie is essential, particularly as the team gears up for competitive qualifiers. Henderson's role isn’t just about his on-field performance; his presence will also drive training standards and foster a positive environment.
Adding depth to their upcoming matches, Henderson’s return comes gingerly after a controversial period in which he faced booing from fans during a match against Australia. This dynamic further emphasizes the importance of maintaining morale and unity within the squad. Nevertheless, Henderson's re-entry into the team signifies an opportunity for redemption and renewed focus as they aim to carve out victories in the qualifiers.
Pickford himself has been building a notable record, having reached 73 caps, tying him with legends like Gordon Banks, and he is just two away from matching Joe Hart and David Seaman. Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned, “Every time I have pulled on an England shirt, I have always performed... I’ve been very consistent over four or five years now.” This speaks to his evolving maturity and responsibility as a player, which he believes adds value to the squad.
Tuchel, as the new England manager, recognizes the importance of leadership figures within the team, having noted Henderson's character, personality, and overall energy. According to Pickford, those winning qualities better the team atmosphere immensely. “For me, having leaders in your group... the teams that have won have always had that experience in their side whether they have played or haven’t played,” says Pickford, underscoring the need for experience in high-stakes matches.
The upcoming qualifiers are critical, and bringing Henderson back appears to be a calculated risk with a potentially rewarding payoff. Pickford is confident that the dynamic quality of training sessions will be invigorated, emphasizing that “whether he plays or not, he will drive the sessions with the lads.” His positivity and determination are expected to resonate throughout the England camp, ultimately aiming to prepare the team for success ahead of the qualifiers.
The recent gathering of the squad at St George’s Park has already showcased an upbeat atmosphere, as Henderson was seen sharing laughs with teammates like Marcus Rashford and enjoying the camaraderie of the camp, a crucial element leading into their international fixtures. The support and connections between players can create a robust foundation for performance on the pitch.
There’s much to be excited about as England prepares to face Albania and Latvia, with Henderson’s unexpected return marking a significant chapter in both his career and the national team’s journey. As Henderson steps back into this vital role, there’s no denying the potential impact that a seasoned player like him can have on the trajectory of the Three Lions – both in heart and performance.
