Thomas Tuchel has explained Jordan Henderson’s England recall (Image: YouTube / England / FA)
has explained his decision to hand a surprise recall to the squad. The German has ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Henderson has not played for England since November 2023 and he will turn 36 during the next World Cup, which will be held in North America in 2026. The former captain made a controversial move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in 2023 but has since joined Dutch giants Ajax. He has recently been nursing a hamstring injury but has largely been a prominent part of their Eredivisie season, starting 14 times.
Henderson has been called up by Tuchel in part due to his character. A similar reason has also led to a first call-up for defender Dan Burn at the age of 32.
Tuchel told England’s YouTube channel: “We called Hendo back up because we think his career, the way he plays now and imposes himself at Ajax, it’s just so impressive. He builds it on character and personality and energy that he brings to the team.
“For me, Jordan is a call-up for similar reasons to Dan Burn. they can carry these values on their shoulders, their teams, and it’s absolutely reliable what they bring in terms of their energy. This is where the focus is for us, to bring a strong team, a cohesive team. Jordan is a big piece in that puzzle for us.”
View the full England squad by
Jordan Henderson has been recalled to the England squad (Image: Getty)
Tuchel has also thrown Marcus Rashford an England lifeline after the forward spent the final year of Gareth Southgate’s reign out of favour. The 27-year-old’s last Three Lions appearance came as a substitute in the friendly defeat against Brazil in March 2024 and he was not selected for Euro 2024. His struggles at saw other forwards picked ahead of him but he has been rejuvenated by his January loan switch to Aston Villa.
Reece James, whose injury problems have prevented him from playing for England since March 2023, has also been recalled. However, there is no place for his former team-mate Conor Gallagher, who is now at Atletico Madrid. Kyle Walker, 34, is also among the veterans of the Southgate era who have been selected.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has also been overlooked but the 20-year-old has only recently returned from groin surgery. star Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, could make his England debut after being called up for the first time.