Henderson 'has a huge admirer in Tuchel'
- Published
Jordan Henderson has a huge admirer in Thomas Tuchel. He was an instant inclusion for his first squad in March, winning a recall after being absent from England duty since November 2023.
It was a pick that raised eyebrows but Tuchel was unmoved, continuing to keep faith with Brentford's veteran midfielder, even to the exclusion of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, saying: "He embodies everything we are trying to build."
No one could ever question the desire and attitude of one of the game's most consummate professionals, but Henderson will be 36 during next summer's World Cup, which will be played in gruelling conditions in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Tuchel has praised Henderson's influence around camp, and his impact can already be seen at Brentford, but he will need to be seen as someone who will figure on the pitch as well. There is no room for non-playing figureheads at a major tournament.
Plenty question Tuchel's wisdom on this decision. It remains to be seen how much longer he will include Henderson, so the former Liverpool captain must produce high-class performances with Brentford consistently to stop eyebrows being raised further.