Henderson 'the glue' to make England special, defends Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel defended his decision to include Jordan Henderson in his first England squad, citing his winning mentality as key to the team.

Thomas Tuchel believes Jordan Henderson can be "the glue that makes things special" after bringing the midfielder back into the England set-up.

Henderson, who has not featured for the Three Lions since November 2023, was a surprise inclusion for Tuchel's first squad since taking over from Gareth Southgate.

The 34-year-old has found himself out of the team over the last 16 months after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, before joining Ajax in January 2024.

Henderson has played 39 times across all competitions for the Eredivisie outfit this season, 30 of which have come from the start under Francesco Farioli.

He has registered six assists in those outings, and has recorded 81.59 passes per 90, and completed 72.09 per 90, which ranks third in Ajax's current squad.

The midfielder has also completed 12.54 passes into the final third per 90 in all competitions (745 total), more than any of his team-mates.

Henderson has won possession 177 times this season – only Youri Baas has won possession back more times (178) among Ajax players this season.

But it is Henderson's experience that Tuchel will be looking to rely on, with the former Liverpool captain playing 81 times for England, making 55 starts.

Since he made his England debut in November 2010, only Harry Kane (103), Kyle Walker (93), John Stones (83) and Raheem Sterling (82) have made more appearances.

Tuchel said he had not originally planned to call-up Henderson, but decided to do so after speaking with other players, coaches and staff at the Football Association.

"He embodies everything. He is a serial winner, his personality and character," Tuchel told ITV.

"He is the glue in every team that he has played in, the glue that makes things special.

"I am convinced. If a teacher in a school is convinced about the quality of the class, the character of the class, it is better than the other way around."

England face Albania in their first World Cup qualifying fixture on Friday before welcoming Latvia to Wembley Stadium three days later.