Thomas Tuchel defends naming ‘serial winner’ Jordan Henderson in England squad
Thomas Tuchel has defended the call-up of “serial winner” Jordan Henderson in his first England squad.
The return of the 34-year-old Ajax midfielder for the first time since November 2023 was one of the most surprising selections by the German for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia later this month.
Henderson’s return immediately sparked debate online among fans, but there was clearly no doubt in Tuchel’s mind over his right to be in the squad.
“Why (call up) Jordan? I think this is a pretty easy one,” he said.
“Jordan is, first of all, a serial winner. What he brings to every team is leadership, his character, personality, energy. He makes sure that everyone lives by the standards.
“With this characteristic, he embodies everything we are trying to build.
“If you see the reaction from Jordan, this natural reaction when he was called up, this natural reaction from Dan Burn, you instantly know that you picked the right guys.”
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford are the other uncapped players involved, but have previously been selected by the senior team.
Tuchel admitted he considered opting against allowing Lewis-Skelly to be with the under-21 squad instead.
“But in the end, with injuries, and with the quality and the maturity he showed in the matches we decided to take him.”
There was no place for Conor Gallagher, Jack Grealish or James Maddison, nor Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarrad Branthwaite and Angel Gomes.
Ollie Watkins and Harry Maguire appeared to miss out through injury, as did Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“It’s just a question about getting more minutes, getting more rhythm, and he has every chance to be back, and he wants to be back,” Tuchel said.
White has not featured for England since leaving the 2022 World Cup squad early.
Tuchel confirmed Harry Kane would continue as England captain.
“We watched, I think, almost 25 matches live to see every player,” he said.
“From time to time I was in Germany to see my children, but the majority of the time I was (in England).
“I don’t really get the point of the story.”