Jordan Henderson England Recall: A Great Move for the Squad, Says Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford Praises Jordan Henderson England Recall

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has praised the recall of Jordan Henderson to the national squad, calling it a “great move” for the team. The 34-year-old midfielder was named in England’s first squad under new manager Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. This marks Henderson’s first inclusion in the England squad since November 2023, reaffirming his importance to the team despite being away for a while.

Henderson, who currently plays for Ajax after a short stint at Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, has long been a key figure in English football. With 81 international caps to his name, he is considered one of the most experienced players in the squad. Pickford, who has known Henderson for many years, both from their time at Sunderland and as part of the England teams that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the final of Euro 2020, and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, believes that Henderson’s return to the squad will have a significant positive impact.

Jordan Henderson Leadership and Winning Mentality

Pickford: Recalling ‘leader’ Henderson a great move for England

Pickford highlighted the crucial qualities that Henderson brings to the England team: his leadership, experience, and winning mentality. Henderson has long been known for his ability to inspire his teammates and drive standards both on and off the pitch. As a former captain of Liverpool, where he won numerous major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League, Henderson’s wealth of experience makes him a valuable asset to the England squad, particularly as they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup.

“Hendo has that winning mentality, what he has won at Liverpool as a player and captain,” Pickford said. “To have those leaders around the place, the more leaders you have in the team, the more success they will bring.” Pickford’s comments underline the importance of having experienced and influential players like Henderson in the squad to help drive the team forward.

As a key figure in the England setup, Henderson has played an integral role in helping guide younger players and maintaining a high standard in the squad. His leadership qualities were evident during his time as vice-captain for the national team, especially in the 2018 World Cup, where he helped guide the team to the semi-finals. Although he was not involved in the last European Championship in 2021, Henderson’s leadership role remains significant, and his return to the squad for the World Cup qualifiers is seen as an invaluable boost.

Henderson’s Return Boosts England’s World Cup Hopes

Jordan Henderson England recall a great move – Pickford

Pickford believes that Henderson’s presence in the squad will help England as they aim to take that “next step” and finally lift a major trophy. “We’ve been knocking on the door for a while now. We’ve been to two finals, a semi-final, and a quarter-final,” Pickford said. “It’s about that next step now. We know what it takes to get there. It’s about what it takes to lift the trophy, and that is what the manager has come in to do.”

Having come so close to winning major tournaments, including reaching the final of Euro 2020 and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, England’s focus is now on moving forward and finally securing that long-awaited major international trophy. With a squad that includes experienced players like Jordan Henderson, the team has the leadership needed to make a real push for the 2026 World Cup.

Henderson’s recall also comes at a time when England is in the process of rebuilding under new manager Thomas Tuchel. The team will need experienced players who can lead by example and set high standards for their younger teammates. As Pickford mentioned, “Having leaders in your group, the teams that have won have always had that experience in the side as well,” highlighting the critical role that veterans like Henderson play in ensuring the squad remains focused and driven toward their goals.

Jordan Henderson‘s Role in Training and Leadership

Beyond his ability to contribute on the pitch, Henderson is also valued for his leadership in training. Pickford emphasized that, whether or not Henderson plays in matches, his influence in training sessions is invaluable. “Whether he plays or not, he is going to be the leader on the training pitch,” Pickford said. Henderson’s professionalism and commitment to maintaining high standards make him a crucial figure in maintaining a competitive atmosphere in the England camp.

Having leaders like Henderson on and off the pitch helps maintain focus and drive throughout the squad. His ability to motivate his teammates and hold them accountable in training sessions contributes to the overall success of the team. “He was vice-captain for numerous years,” Pickford continued, “and he didn’t come to the last Euros, but he was vice-captain in 2018 to Harry [Kane]. I think someone like Hendo, it’s great.”

The Importance of Jordan Henderson‘s Winning Experience

Jordan Henderson’s winning experience is not limited to his time with England, but also his domestic success with Liverpool. As a key player in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, including winning the Premier League and Champions League, Henderson brings a mentality of success that is vital for England’s future aspirations. His leadership was integral to Liverpool’s success, and his ability to lift trophies has made him a respected figure both within the England squad and in world football.

Having won major domestic and international trophies, Henderson’s experience of what it takes to win under pressure will help guide England’s younger players. His desire to continue winning is infectious and will undoubtedly inspire his teammates to strive for greater success, especially as England heads into the World Cup qualifiers.

Can Jordan Henderson Help England Achieve Their World Cup Dream?

Pickford is confident that Henderson’s presence will only benefit the team as they prepare for future tournaments. While it’s difficult to say whether Henderson’s absence in previous tournaments, such as Euro 2020, would have made a difference, his return now is seen as a positive step for the team. “We got to a final and didn’t win it,” Pickford said, referencing England’s loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. “Jords is a great lad and respected by all the players and the staff.”

The question of whether Henderson’s leadership could have helped England secure their first major international title since 1966 remains open, but his return to the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is a promising development. With a blend of youth and experience in the squad, and leaders like Henderson providing guidance, England’s chances of success in future tournaments have received a significant boost.

Conclusion: A Positive Step for England

Jordan Henderson’s England recall is undoubtedly a great move for the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead. With his wealth of experience, leadership skills, and winning mentality, Henderson’s return will strengthen the squad both on and off the pitch. Pickford’s praise of Henderson highlights the crucial role that experienced players play in the team’s development and success.

As England continues their journey toward the 2026 World Cup, the inclusion of Henderson, along with other leaders such as Pickford, will be key to achieving their goal of lifting a major trophy. The mix of youthful talent and experienced leadership gives England a solid foundation as they aim to make history in the coming years.