Thomas Tuchel believes Jordan Henderson can still be a ‘big’ part of England’s future after handing him a shock return to the national team.
Henderson’s inclusion was the biggest surprise when Tuchel’s first squad as England manager was unveiled at 9am on Friday morning.
The former Liverpool star has not played for England since November 2023, having moved to Saudi Arabia and latterly Ajax.
His final outings in 2023 were marred with protests and boos as fans made their feelings known on what has seen as a controversial move to Al-Ettifaq.
‘I think his career and the way he plays now and imposes himself at Ajax is just so impressive,’ said Tuchel.
‘He builds on character, personality and energy that he brings to the team.
‘For me, Jordan is a similar call-up for the same reasons as Dan Burn. They carry these values on their shoulders and they carry their teams.
‘It’s absolutely reliable what they bring in terms of energy and this is where the focus is also for us to build a strong team and a cohesive team. Jordan is a big piece in that puzzle for us.’
Marcus Rashford has also been given an England lifeline after missing out on the European Championship and not playing for his countyr since last March.
The 27-year-old had a difficult 18 months at Manchester United but looks closer to his old self playing under Unai Emery on loan at Aston Villa.
Tuchel said: ‘He’s had a huge impact lately in the matches at Aston Villa. I was delighted to see his effort on the ball and his effort to be the best team-mate possible and his consistent energy.
‘There is no doubt about his talent and about his quality, but to see him so decisive and so physically involved gave me the impression that it is the right moment to call him up and give him the extra push that he stays on that level.’
Dan Burn, 32, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, are the two men looking forward to their debut England senior camps.
The defenders come into the squad at a time when the likes of Harry Maguire, Dan Burn, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are missing through injury.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed in advance that Burn was set to make Tuchel’s England squad, after making his longlist of around 55 players.
‘He’s had a very impressive career and he’s a very solid player,’ said Tuchel. “He’s a very solid defender and a leader in the group.
‘I have spoken to Dan and it was a very impressive phone call with very impressive messages that made me very comfortable in this call-up that we have picked a top team player that will help us build the right team.’
In an unconventional move, Tuchel has named four goalkeepers. Typically national teams stick to three, but Jordan Pickford is joined by Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson, and James Trafford.
‘These are the four goalkeepers that we think we can build our squad on. We want to straightaway give the message that this is a new start for everyone. At the same time, we can see how they work together and how the energy is between them.’
