Jordan Pickford commended Jordan Henderson’s recall to the England squad, calling it a “great move” that brings a winning mentality. New manager Thomas Tuchel aims to utilize Henderson’s experience in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Both players share a past at Sunderland and significant international exposure. Henderson’s leadership is viewed as essential for enhancing the team’s performance and dynamics.
Jordan Pickford, England’s goalkeeper, has praised Jordan Henderson’s recall to the national team, characterizing it as a “great move”. The 34-year-old Henderson has been selected for the first time since November 2023 by new manager Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. With 81 caps, Henderson first represented England in 2010 and is viewed by Tuchel as embodying the team’s aspirations.
Pickford, who shares a history with Henderson from their time at Sunderland and participation in significant international tournaments, believes that Henderson’s inclusion, alongside Newcastle’s Dan Burn, will be beneficial as the squad prepares for the 2026 World Cup. He emphasized the team’s past successes, stating, “We have been to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final,” and stressed the importance of continuous improvement and the experiences of seasoned players.
Tuchel has lauded Henderson’s qualities, describing him as a “serial winner” and an indispensable “glue” for the team. The midfielder joined Ajax in January 2024 following a brief period at Al-Ettifaq and has had an impressive season with 38 appearances, helping Ajax to maintain a lead in the Eredivisie.
Pickford further remarked on Henderson’s leadership abilities, noting his history as vice-captain and the significant impact he has made within the squad. He believes that Henderson’s presence will enhance training dynamics and contribute to a more successful camp for all.
Despite England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final under previous management, which they lost to Spain, Pickford is optimistic about Henderson’s role moving forward. While uncertain about whether Henderson’s absence in the prior tournament affected the outcome, he asserts that Henderson’s leadership skills will contribute positively to the current team dynamic.
In conclusion, Jordan Pickford’s endorsement of Jordan Henderson’s return to the England squad underscores the latter’s leadership and winning mentality. With Henderson’s extensive experience and success, his presence is expected to foster team cohesion and elevate standards ahead of challenging competitions. The ongoing development of the team and incorporating seasoned players like Henderson is critical for England as they aim for future triumphs.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
