The Brentford midfielder has been a mainstay of Thomas Tuchel’s side since being recalled to Germany’s first Three Lions squad, and the 35-year-old looks set to be part of the squad for next summer’s World Cup final.
Jordan Henderson has slammed the idea that he is in the England squad just to be a “cheerleader”.
England manager Thomas Tuchel made a big impact by inviting the 35-year-old back to the first team and has continued to support the player ever since. However, it has led to accusations that he is only in England’s set-up because he is a good character to have around the dressing room rather than what he brings to the pitch.
However, Henderson has now returned to the Premier League with Brentford and insists he is capable, with his sights set on playing in next summer’s World Cup. Former Liverpool captain Henderson said: “To be fair, I don’t think I need to mention this. I’ve shown what I can do for England over the years and I’m still playing at a high level.”
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“Outside, people can think what they want, whether it’s the media or whoever. The most important people are the manager, the coaching staff, the players and what they think. Ask them what they think, if I’m a cheerleader when I’m here. I don’t think one of the best managers in Europe would choose me just to do that.”
“I’m here to perform, whether it’s in training every day or when I’m on the pitch. My main job is to perform for the team and help the team. Everything else is just being myself.”
Henderson’s career took a major hit when he left Liverpool to play in the Saudi Professional League, then moved to Ajax six months later to regain qualification for the Euros.
Henderson ultimately missed out on the Euros, but hopes to represent England at the World Cup next summer when he turns 36. Henderson admits he might have done things differently if he had more time, but doesn’t think it cost him a spot at the Euros.
“When I was in Saudi, I think I attended all the camps before the Euros, so I don’t think that was the reason. The timing… in hindsight, maybe I would have made a different decision,” he added.
“But that’s how I felt at the time, and there were many reasons for the decisions I made, ones only I know, and ultimately I tried to do the right thing.
“Obviously I want to play for England for as long as possible. And when I came back, was that in the back of my mind? Probably, but when I was at Ajax I was also in the England squad, so I thought I was ready at a good enough level that I could still play for Ajax and still be in the England squad.
“I think it was a decision for me to go back to the Premier League. I missed the atmosphere and the environment. For me, the Premier League is the best league, so having the opportunity to come back was the reason I did it.”
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