GB News sports broadcaster Aidan Magee has expressed his astonishment at Thomas Tuchel’s decision to recall Jordan Henderson to the England squad.
The 34-year-old Ajax midfielder has been named in Tuchel’s first England squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Speaking to GB News, broadcaster Aidan Magee said: “I wouldn’t have picked in a month of Sunday or anticipated that Jordan Henderson would come back to the squad.
“I thought that the decision had kind of been made behind closed doors. It was time to move on from that.
Aidan Magee shared his thoughts on the shocking decision
GB NEWS
“I didn’t think that Marcus Rashford, given where he was just six weeks ago, would ever imagine he’d be involved in an England squad.
“But four assists for assists Aston Villa he hasn’t hasn’t scored yet, but he’s been very effective coming off the bench, that seems to have guaranteed him a place.
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“Don’t forget he’s an experienced player and he’s somebody who’s performed that in the past. And I think circle just thinks, well, let’s have a look at him and see where he’s at as quickly as possible.
“There’s no point delaying over this. And then of course, there was the inclusion of Reece James at Chelsea. I mean, there are lots of fans at Chelsea who wish they could see the player that they saw two years ago.
“There’s no sign of him coming back. But Thomas Tuchel knows him. He’s worked with him, he wants to bring it in, but he wants to bring him back and have a look at him again, same as he does with the other two players and we have to trust his judgement.
“That’s why we’re paying in big money. That’s why we’ve got him on this lucrative 18 month contract to try and deliver the World Cup.”
Henderson last featured for the Three Lions in November 2023.
The Ajax captain has earned 81 caps for England but was left out of Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024.
Tuchel has now handed Henderson a shock recall for the qualifiers on March 21 and 24.
The German coach explained his decision on the England YouTube channel, saying: “We called Hendo back up because I think his career, and the way he plays now and imposes himself at Ajax, is just so impressive.”
Jordan Henderson will be on the England squad
PA
Henderson joined the Dutch side from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq in January 2024. He has made 38 appearances for Ajax this season, with the club sitting eight points clear at the top of the Eredivisie.
Tuchel has been effusive in his praise for Henderson, highlighting the midfielder’s leadership qualities.
“Jordan is a serial winner,” Tuchel stated at a news conference after announcing his squad.
“What he brings to every team is leadership, character, energy and personality.”
The England manager added: “He makes sure everyone lives by the standards. He embodies everything we try to build.”