Thomas Tuchel claims that Jordan Henderson’s leadership, fitness and being a “serial winner” was at the crux of his surprise England call-up. At 34 years of age, Henderson was Tuchel’s unlikely choice in his inaugural England selection, despite the ex-Liverpool skipper previously believing his time on the national team had drawn to a close.
Starting with an extensive roster of 55 prospects, Tuchel refined it to a 26-strong contingent for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. Henderson, currently plying his trade at Ajax and last seen in an England jersey in November 2023, had been omitted from the Euros last summer and experienced a turbulent phase following his move to the Netherlands after a less-than-successful stint in Saudi Arabia.
Nonetheless, Tuchel stands firm that Henderson’s inclusion hinges not only on his footballing prowess but equally on his leadership qualities. The England manager aims to cultivate a club-like camaraderie on international turf.
Although Tuchel himself hasn’t personally observed Henderson’s performances recently—leaving that to assistant Anthony Barry—he mentioned their virtual conversation: “I gave him a call and he said he’s pickable all the time, the club manages his minutes to bring him through the season. This was the foundation for the decision. He is also a serial winner.
He is still the leader there, he is the vice captain there and brings to the team what he brings to every team. In terms of leadership, character, personality, energy, and because he made himself available by the way he played and the minutes he played we had the chance to bring him back.
“He will help talent to grow. He will help the talents to be there. If we nominate now everyone who is 20 because they’re then 22 in America this will not work.
“Jordan will make sure at the moment, in this camp, for everyone to be a better version. He will help us to build a team. I am very sure of that, otherwise I would not have done it.”
Henderson feels more like a cheerleader and good influence rather than a genuine choice over, for example, Morgan Gibbs-White. It was a similar story for Newcastle’s uncaptured defender Dan Burn who is 32 but also, at 6ft 7in, looks rather ungainly for an international player.
Yet again, one gets the impression that this selection is as much about Burn’s contribution to the camaraderie in the changing room as it is to his capabilities on the field.
Former boss Gareth Southgate engendered a sense of unity throughout his time in charge, but during the Euros last summer, the atmosphere in the squad was sometimes less than congenial, with suggestions that certain elements of the team’s dynamic were not as strong.
Tuchel, who mentioned having met Southgate just once at a Manchester City clash with Real Madrid, commented: “I was surprised that Dan was never called up, but he’s such a tall guy, but obviously it’s easy to overlook him.
These two phone calls, if you see the reaction from Jordan, this natural reaction when he was called up, and this natural reaction from Dan Bird, you instantly know that you picked the right guys.
“It is about building a team that loves to play with each other, that transports the spirit to the fans, to the nation, to the country, and it is about building a brotherhood.