Thomas Tuchel at his England press conference. (Image: Getty.)
Former and midfielder Danny Murphy fumed at and accused him of “blocking” the progress of rising stars by calling up . The 34-year-old Ajax star, who will be 36 by the time Tuchel leads the Three Lions out at the in North America, was one of several surprise inclusions.
Former captain Henderson has made 81 caps for his country and has a huge amount of experience that can be called upon. But Murphy noted that the veteran now is not a regular starter in the Eredivisie and had been outperformed by several players this season.
“I listened to Thomas Tuchel explain his reasons for giving Jordan Henderson an England recall but it still makes no sense,” Murphy wrote for the . “It’s utterly baffling to me and risks blocking the pathway of others.
“Jordan is someone I respect and I feel he’s been under-appreciated with and England. But to turn to him now at the age of 34 when he’s not getting regular starts for Ajax in an average Dutch League is one of the strangest decisions I can remember.”
Murphy explained how Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson are being held back as a result of Henderson’s inclusion, while Morgan Gibbs-White and James Maddison may also feel aggrieved to lose out to the veteran.
Jordan Henderson is back in the England fold under Thomas Tuchel. (Image: Getty)
“Some very good midfield prospects have been left out to allow his return,” Murphy added. “How will Conor Gallagher feel after scoring last week for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid? He is a phenomenal athlete who can play deep and defend for his life.
“Elliott Anderson has been impressive in Nottingham Forest’s incredible season. Adam Wharton looks an ideal partner for Rice. There is goodwill towards Tuchel because fans want to see a more adventurous England. But Henderson’s inclusion is a negative decision and puts the fans’ backs up right away.”
But Tuchel, who only has a short-term contract with the FA up until the World Cup, and may steer towards the likes of Henderson and 32-year-old uncapped Dan Burn.
Danny Murphy explained why Jordan Henderson should not be in the England squad. (Image: Getty)
“I think his career and the way he plays now and imposes himself at Ajax is just so impressive,” Tuchel explained when asked about the decision to include Henderson. “He builds on character, personality and energy that he brings to the team.
“For me, Jordan is a similar call-up for the same reasons as Dan Burn. They carry these values on their shoulders and they carry their teams. It’s absolutely reliable what they bring in terms of energy and this is where the focus is also for us to build a strong team and a cohesive team. Jordan is a big piece in that puzzle for us.”