‘Everything about Jordan Henderson’s potential England call-up for 2026 World Cup has changed’
Jordan Henderson has been something of a surprise inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squads.
The German has selected the veteran midfielder in each of his last three international squads, as competition for places heats up ahead of next summer’s World Cup in North America.
Henderson returned to the Premier League with Brentford in the summer, after having spent the last two years across spells in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq and then in the Netherlands with Ajax.
He has already started 14 league games for Keith Andrews’ side so far this season, and his performances for the Bees appear to have totally altered the landscape regarding his potential spot in the World Cup.
Joe Hart believes Jordan Henderson’s performances warrant World Cup spot
There have been plenty of suggestions that Henderson’s England spot is under threat ahead of next summer, with several people across the country questioning his involvement under Tuchel.
The former Chelsea boss has an array of exciting younger players to choose from across the midfield and the attack, but he has still opted for the 35-year-old to play a role in the decisive moments of his team’s qualifying campaign this Autumn.
The ex-Liverpool man was influential for Brentford again on Sunday afternoon, when he scored the opener for them in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Joe Hart raved about his display during Match of the Day, and emphasised how his performances have changed the narrative regarding his England involvement of late.
“The tone (of the conversation) has totally changed,” Hart said regarding his former international teammate.
“There’s only one reason for that, and that is that Henderson is a top player and a top professional.
“He obviously went on his journey to Saudi Arabia, then on to Ajax, and they didn’t win the league. Everyone thought that he was finished.
“He’s been getting picked in England squads, and there have been questions about is he there to cheerlead? Is he there to set the standard? Absolutely not.
“We talk about Granit Xhaka as an incredible signing for Sunderland, and Henderson is exactly the same for Brentford. He’s just a brilliant footballer. He’s got great energy and such high standards.
“With the experience that he brings as well as the quality, he’s a top player, and I think he’s really driving this Brentford team. He was involved in everything that was good for them today.”
Thomas Tuchel to use Jordan Henderson as World Cup ‘finisher’
Henderson’s recent performances for Brentford are seeing him catch the eye for all the right reasons, and Tuchel will be well aware of that, just months out from his final squad selection for the World Cup.
The duo of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson look likely to have effectively locked down the starting midfield berths ahead of the World Cup, but tournament football heavily relies on a manager’s ability to use every element of his squad effectively.
Henderson’s recent games for England have highlighted that Tuchel sees him as an ideal candidate for the modern-day ‘finisher’ role, as a player who comes off the bench in the second half to provide vital energy at the heart of the team.
It’s a role that suits his ability perfectly, especially if England are ahead, as he can come onto the pitch, organise the team and help to break up the play.
He may not be as glamorous an option as some of the other weapons at Tuchel’s disposal, but he could well play a vital role in England’s efforts next summer.